By ISAAN KHAN
Published: 17:30 EST, 19 December 2025 | Updated: 17:30 EST, 19 December 2025
Mikel Arteta hinted that he needs to win silverware in the coming months to 'earn the right' to stay as Arsenal manager in the long-term future.
Saturday marks his six-year anniversary as Gunners boss, and Arteta was in a reflective mood ahead of their Premier League match against Everton.
It was at the Toffees' old home Goodison Park in which the Spaniard and Carlo Ancelotti were in attendance for a 0-0 draw between the two sides ahead of becoming the managers of Arsenal and Everton respectively.
Arteta has only won the FA Cup in his tenure thus far and his Arsenal contract expires in the summer of 2027.
Yet when asked if he can see a future at the north London club beyond then, he replied: 'Yes, but it is about today. And a lot of things have to happen in the next few months, as well, to earn the right. I think the manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow.
'For six years, I have seen just players with a level of attention, desire to learn and give the maximum to the team. That is what keeps me in this job. Nothing else.
Mikel Arteta has hinted that he needs to win silverware to 'earn the right' to stay as Arsenal boss
'And, obviously, winning a lot of football matches. Percentage wise, I think it is quite high. That is the only way. If not, you cannot survive in this environment.’
He also admitted that when his players are in contract negotiations, they ask him if he is staying at the club in the long run.
Arteta added: 'They do ask me, but I cannot lie to them. I don't know, as it is something that does not depend on me.
'Are you really happy here? Do you feel that you have the energy and you feel you can take this club (further)? Yes. One hundred per cent, yes.
'But I think it does not depend only on me. And they have to make a decision based on what they feel about it.'
ArsenalMikel Arteta