Bukayo Saka's transfer value rises by more than £160m in four years as Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta proved right

Bukayo Saka's transfer value has risen by more than £160m in the last four years, but Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta predicted his astonishing rise back in 2021.

Saka recently penned fresh terms at the Emirates last month, keeping him at the club until 2027.

His wages are expected to more than quadruple after journalist David Ornstein revealed he would receive nearly £15 million per year thanks to bonuses and other add-ons.

It is no surprise when considering his electric form this season, helping Arsenal to a second-placed finish in the Premier League.

The 21-year-old notched 14 league goals and provided a further 11 assists, establishing himself as one of the key figures behind Arteta's title bid.

In turn, his transfer value has risen by an eye-watering €188.8m euros (£162m), according to CIES.

Saka was worth just €7m in 2019, as per Transfermarkt. But CIES estimate he is now worth €195.8m.

However, Arteta predicted his meteoric rise back when he was just starting out at Arsenal, stating he could become a "complete player".

What did Arteta say about Saka?

Speaking after Arsenal's 3-1 Premier League win over Southampton back in 2021, Arteta praised the England international, but insisted there were still areas of his game that needed improvement.

“Bukayo is doing really well and is always asking to train more and improve in areas that he can do better,” said Arteta (quotes via arseblog).

“That was certainly one, at producing the final bit in the box to score or assist, and he’s doing that much more often.

“He’s able to do that with the work he has put in and the intelligence he’s shown on the pitch, and with the capacity he has to understand the game from different positions. He becomes a really complete player.”