This included netted 12 times to help the club lift its first ever Champions League trophy, becoming the quickest player to ever register 30 Champions League goals in the process. And last year the Emirates-owned club rewarded their talisman with a groundbreaking new nine-and-a-half-year deal, eclipsing Cole Palmer's nine-year Chelsea deal signed in 2023 to become the longest ever seen in the Premier League. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): £300,000-per-weekThe Manchester United captain, 31, has been the beleaguered side's most important player since signing from Sporting Lisbon in 2020. The Manchester United captain, 31, has been the beleaguered side's most important player since signing from Sporting Lisbon in 20207. Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal): £265-000-per-weekThe 28-year-old Brazilian joined the Gunners in 2022 following a decorated five-and-a-half-year spell at Manchester City where he won four Premier League titles, three League Cups and the FA Cup.

Source: Daily Mail February 19, 2026 20:04 UTC