Bukayo Saka shows why Arsenal are preparing to make him highest paid player amid transfer links

Arsenal are in talks with Bukayo Saka over a new contract extension which would make him among the highest paid players at the club, as exclusively revealed by .

Saka, 20, has a long-term contract with the club which expires in 2024 but understands that a new deal will reflect his role in the team as one of the most important players.

Alexandre Lacazette, Bernd Leno and Eddie Nketiah are among the senior first team players set to leave the club in the coming months, which will give the Gunners added financial firepower when putting together a lucrative contract package for their best players.

And Saka showed against Brentford why it is crucial that Arsenal secure Champions League football this season - and fulfil his ambition of competing and the highest level week in, week out.

The England international has scored five goals in his last six Premier League matches, form which emphasises his importance to Arsenal and once again puts him among the biggest talents in European football.

Mikel Arteta’s side were dominant against their opponents on Saturday afternoon, producing 16 shots in the opening 45 minutes - the most the team has had in a Premier League first half since October 2017 vs Everton under Arsene Wenger.

Emile Smith Rowe has scored five goals in his last eight Premier League starts. Only three players have scored more goals than Smith Rowe this season, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Raheem Sterling sitting above Arsenal's no.10, testament to just how much he has improved on the goalscoring front from last season.

There’s certainly plenty of reasons to get excited for the red side of north London right now. Academy graduates scoring, fluid football being played and a Premier League points