Arsenal now have a new priority after the transfer window closes
The transfer window shut on Tuesday and Arsenal have already turned their focus on other matters.
The squad is assembled, and the Gunners’ attention has now turned to arguably something far more important.
Mikel Arteta’s contract.
The Arsenal manager has not yet extended his deal, which expires just next summer.
He is now the longest-serving manager in the Premier League — six years and counting since arriving at the Emirates in December 2019 — and the next decision over his future is an increasingly important one.
Arteta has been clear about his love for the club and the project, and has told fans they don’t need to worry. He wants to be here, he is happy, and the situation will be resolved when the time is right.
But the time, with the window now closed and the season underway, is now.
The pattern from his previous renewals offers a clue as to why. Arteta signed his last extension in September 2024, on the back of that transfer window closing, in the first international break of the season.
Both of his previous contracts have been three-year deals. Everything points to a similar timeline playing out now.
Renewing Mikel Arteta’s contract is the most important decision at the club
Arteta spent the best part of this year prioritising Arsenal’s progress over his own situation.
And he led the club to their best season for over 20 years, of course winning the Premier League title and reaching the Champions League final.
He’ll be happy with aspects of Arsenal’s transfer window, namely the shoring up of the defence with Ezri Konsa and bringing in a world-class midfielder in Bruno Guimaraes.
But the summer ultimately didn’t deliver the level-raising attacking addition Arteta dreamed of.
He won’t be too pleased about that at all, I’m sure. But it could be argued that by keeping the powder dry, Arsenal are still well positioned to make that kind of signing should the opportunity show itself in the coming windows.
Arsenal also have other contract situations to address. Declan Rice’s deal expires in 2028, as do Jurrien Timber’s and David Raya’s.
Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz both have decisions coming down the line, their futures tied to fitness as much as anything else.
But Arteta is the priority. The most important man at the club. His turn to put pen to paper.
