Arsenal are preparing a blockbuster new contract for Bukayo Saka that will make the England international one of the top earners at the North London club. Saka has entered the final two years of his existing deal with the Gunners and the club now want their star player to put pen to paper on a new deal and commit his future to them on a long-term basis.

Bukayo Saka had some harsh words for VAR after Arsenal had a penalty decision overturned in the first half, following a challenge by Nick Pope on Viktor Gyokeres. Referee Jarred Gillett had initially pointed to the spot but was recommended to go to the screen by VAR and changed his mind. The Gunners went on to win the match 2-1 thanks to a last-gasp Gabriel header but Saka expressed his disappointment at the decision to reverse the first-half penalty.

There was an amusing moment at the end of Michael Arteta's pre-match press conference on Tuesday when a reporter asked if the 15-year-old Max Dowman had been included in the Arsenal squad for the Carabao Cup clash with Port Vale the following evening. "Yes," Arteta immediately responded, before then quipping, "Well, it depends, I might put the handbrake on!"

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has urged Bukayo Saka to follow William Saliba's example by agreeing terms over a new contract in north London. The French defender has agreed to extend his stay at the club and, with Saka's contract expiring in 2027, Arteta wants to see the winger commit too.

Mikel Arteta revealed why he substituted Bukayo Saka against Port Vale as the Arsenal star suffered a fresh injury scare during the Carabao Cup win. The Gunners marched into the next round of the domestic cup competition with a late 2–0 victory over their lower-league opposition, but the sight of the England international hobbling after a bruising challenge left fans concerned.