Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka is in line for a new mega-money contract to extend his stay at the Emirates and few could argue the 21-year-old doesn't deserve it.
The winger has been in stunning form so far this term and is arguably the biggest reason the Gunners find themselves in the position they do. Mikel Arteta's side currently sit top of the Premier League with an eight-point advantage over nearest challengers Manchester City, who have played one game less than Arsenal's 28.
Within those 28, Saka has been sensational, registering 12 goals and 10 assists. The England international is the first and so far the only player in the division to boast a double-figure tally in both metrics.
This form may have taken some by surprise, but Gunners boss Arteta will certainly not be shocked by what he is saying from Arsenal's number seven. In fact, it is exactly what the Spaniard asked from Saka back in August of last year before a ball had been kicked.
Speaking about Saka, Arteta explained: "He has to be a ruthless winner. That’s it. Simple. That’s his mentality, that’s what he needs to do.
"He has this ability, now he’s going through a place in his career and he needs to go to the next level right now."
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Saka has gone to the next level and then some. To put into perspective how impressive he has been so far this season, he has already bettered both his goals and assist return from last campaign with a whopping 10 games still to go this term.
Since Arteta's comments last summer, Saka has also been away to Qatar to represent his country at the World Cup.
During which time, the winger netted three goals, including a strike in the knockout round against Senegal, to further prove he is a man for the big occasions.
It is for that reason Arsenal had very little choice but to offer Saka an eye-watering extension.
The Gunners are well-aware that if they don't pay through the nose to keep the Three Lions ace, someone will do the very same to lure him away from the Emirates. Potentially one of their direct Premier League rivals.
There had been reports that reigning champions City were mulling over a potential pursuit of Saka, but when confirmation of pen being put to paper on his Arsenal extension a collective sigh of relief will reverberate around the red half of north London.
