Bukayo Saka is all in on Arsenal. The 24-year-old winger just signed a massive five-year deal that keeps him in North London until 2030, and he's making it clear – he believes the Gunners can finally end their trophy drought.
In an exclusive chat with CNN Sports, Saka didn't hold back about his ambitions. "The club is going in the right direction, for sure. We have an amazing team and we're back fighting for every trophy, so no place I'd rather be," he said.
For Arsenal fans and punters keeping an eye on the title race, this is huge news. The Gunners currently sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League table, ahead of Manchester City. They're also chasing silverware on three other fronts this season – a genuine quadruple is on the cards.
The Wait for Silverware
Let's be real though – Arsenal hasn't lifted major silverware since that 2020 FA Cup win against Chelsea. That's a long time for a club with Arsenal's history and ambitions.
The near-misses have been brutal. Manchester City pipped them to the Premier League title in both 2022-23 and 2023-24. Those wounds still sting, but Saka isn't dwelling on the past.
"It's not a nice thing. No one's happy to go through them," he admits. "What you learn is crucial and you just have to take it into the moment now which we're in and try and do what we can to not have any miss next time."
This season looks different. Arsenal faces City in the League Cup final in March – a massive test. They've reached the FA Cup fifth round and breezed through the Champions League league phase with a perfect 100% win record to reach the last 16.
For those betting on Arsenal's trophy chances, Saka's commitment and current form matter massively. Since his debut in November 2018, no Arsenal player has provided more goals or assists. That's the kind of consistency title-winning teams need.
Family, Faith and Future
What makes Saka tick? His Nigerian parents and Yoruba heritage play a huge role. Born in London to Nigerian immigrants, Saka credits his family for everything.
"Their journey is inspiring," he says. "From being in Nigeria to being where we are today as a family... For me, the only explanation is God because it's not normal."
During the interview, CNN surprised Saka with a never-before-seen letter from his parents. The letter spoke about their pride in his achievements and how "success is not measured only in achievements but in character."
Saka's response? "Wow. I don't really see my mom and dad speak with me like this a lot. I'm pretty speechless."
That character showed through after the Euro 2020 final, when Saka faced disgusting online racial abuse following England's penalty shootout loss to Italy. The outpouring of support that followed – cards, letters, gifts from fans – helped lift him back up.
"Love always wins because, for all the hatred and the negativity, the love that I received overcame everything," he recalls.
Under Mikel Arteta, Saka has flourished. He's played more minutes than any other Arsenal player since the Spanish coach arrived in 2019. "He's been pivotal for me, crucial in my development," Saka says about his manager.
Could Saka follow Arteta into management one day? "No chance," he laughs. "From being a player to a manager, I think it's times 10, the demands."
Right now, Saka's focus is simple – winning trophies with Arsenal. He's captained the side 14 times in the Premier League this season and his influence keeps growing. With Arsenal fighting on four fronts and Saka committed long-term, the Gunners finally have the stability and star power to challenge for everything.
For a kid who joined Arsenal's academy at eight years old, it's a dream come true. And if Arsenal can convert their current position into silverware, it'll be a legacy that makes those sacrifices from his parents – and his own journey – worth every moment.
