Journalist David Ornstein has revealed that Bukayo Saka's new Arsenal contract will likely make him the highest earner in the squad.

What's the latest on Saka's Arsenal contract?

The Englishman's contract is set to run out in the summer of 2024, and talks over a new deal took some time before eventually finding a breakthrough and agreeing fresh terms.

The 21-year-old has been a standout performer for the league leaders this season, with 17 league goals and assists in 24 games, and tying him down long-term could provide a massive relief to Mikel Arteta.

Speaking on NBC Sports, Ornstein revealed that the deal will see Saka's wages skyrocket to surpass the current top earners, but that it is fully deserved given his performance levels.

"Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle with Bukayo Saka over a new long term contract and that really is monumental. It hasn't been signed yet. It may take some time just to finalise, complete and announce but that deal is now in place," he stated.

"We don't know the exact duration but I would expect it to be at least four years. He was under contract until 2024 via the last deal he signed in the summer of 2020. That actually took him to 2023, but Arsenal had an option to extend it by 12 months, which they did, but this new deal will supersede that and we think that it will probably make him Arsenal's highest paid player.

"Many people would say rightly so, don't forget this is a guy who if he was on the market, he would be of interest to some of the biggest clubs in world football. We saw the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City, Liverpool, all linked with him, but his priority was always to stay at Arsenal even while the negotiations dragged on."

How important is Saka to Arsenal?

There is a case to be made that Saka is Arsenal's most important player, and given his roots in the Arsenal academy, as well as his rapid development since breaking into the first team in 2019 as a left-back, that he is the face of Arteta's project at the club.

He has now started the last 66 league games in a row for the club, more than anyone else in the Premier League, and is the club's top scorer in all competitions.

Gabriel Jesus is Arsenal's current highest earner on £265k-per-week as per Capology, but this is set to be surpassed by Saka, and the two have formed one of the deadliest attacks in Europe when playing together this season.

If Arsenal are to go on and win their first league title since 2004, then they will need Saka to maintain his fitness and performance levels. The winger rarely ever gets injured, and if they are to miss him even for one game, there will be a sizeable hole on the pitch which he normally fills.