Arsenal secure major agreement with Mikel Arteta over his future
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has agreed a new contract with the club, ending uncertainty surrounding his long-term future in north London.
The Spaniard had entered the final year of his existing deal, which was due to expire next summer, but an agreement has now been reached following months of discussions.
BBC Sport reports that Arteta has agreed improved terms with Arsenal, although the precise length of his new contract has not yet been confirmed.
The extension is nevertheless expected to take the 44-year-old into at least his 10th year at the Emirates Stadium after his appointment in December 2019.
Arteta’s renewal has been a priority for Arsenal since he guided the club to their first Premier League title in 22 years last season.
The former Arsenal captain has overseen a dramatic transformation during his first senior managerial role, taking the Gunners from outside the Champions League places to becoming Premier League champions.
Arteta initially won the FA Cup during his first season before gradually rebuilding the squad and establishing Arsenal as consistent title challengers.
Last season finally brought the breakthrough after successive near misses, with Arsenal ending their long wait for the Premier League crown and also reaching the Champions League final.
The achievement strengthened Arteta’s position at the club and talks over improved terms resumed following the conclusion of the campaign.
There had been little concern internally that Arteta would leave, with the manager repeatedly making clear that he wanted to remain in north London.
Speaking last month, Arteta reassured supporters that his expiring contract was “not going to be an issue” because both sides remained aligned over his future.
“They don’t have to worry about any of that because I want to be here,” Arteta said. “I’m extremely happy and I feel very grateful to work with the people I work with.”
He reiterated that position before Saturday’s trip to Brighton, saying discussions with Arsenal remained aligned despite a formal announcement still being outstanding.
The agreement now provides further continuity as Arsenal attempt to build on last season’s success and establish themselves as serial trophy contenders.
Their title defence began with four consecutive Premier League victories before Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Brighton ended their perfect start and dropped them to second on goal difference.
That setback underlined the difficulty of retaining the title, but Arsenal have now moved to secure the manager responsible for taking them back to the summit of English football.
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