Arsenal set for new highest earner: Kai Havertz to be dethroned

Robin Bairner

• 2 Oct 2025 05:03 CDT
• 3 min read

News

Kai Havertz is poised to lose his status as Arsenal’s highest earner before the year is out.

The Gunners are in a period in which they are working to secure the future of several star players, with William Saliba having recently penned a new deal at the club.

Bukayo Saka is set to follow and is in line for a bumper pay rise that could make him Arsenal’s highest-paid player. Out of contract in 2027, the Gunners want to act now to ensure their star man does not come under any transfer pressure next summer.

Current ETV

Bukayo Saka 

F, M (R)

Arsenal

Bukayo Saka 

F, M (R)

Arsenal

€105M

ETV Range

€78.8M - €131.3M

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FootballTransfers exclusively reported that Saka’s contract talks are advancing promisingly, and speaking on 28 September, Mikel Arteta confirmed that things are progressing.

“From everything that I know, he is a player who is extremely happy, and proud to have the role that he has at the football club,” the manager said.

“Things will develop in a natural way, like they always do, and everyone knows how important Bukayo is for us. Hopefully we can do it.”

Saka in line for big pay rise

While there is still some uncertainty over exactly how much Saka will be paid by Arsenal, it is believed that his new contract will be “at least on a par” with that of Kai Havertz, according to TalkSport.

The former Chelsea player pockets €320,000 (£280,000) per week and Saka’s case to at least match that seems an easy one to make given his impact on the team. He is currently thought to earn €220,000 (£190,000) per week.

Despite the bumper pay rise the England winger is unlikely to be Arsenal’s all-time highest earner. That accolade is poised to remain in the hands of Mesut Ozil.

The Gunners’ assist king was a player who split the fanbase, in part due to his sizeable wages. The Germany international reportedly earned €400,000 (£350,000) per week.

Saka still has to go some to reach these heights, but if he does not do it with this contract extension, there is every chance he may do so with his next.

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