Mikel Arteta has addressed his long-term Arsenal future as the Premier League champions prepare to enter the new season with his deal unresolved.
Mikel Arteta has spoken about his desire to remain at Arsenal as he enters the final year of his contract in North London
The former Arsenal captain is approaching seven years in charge at the Emirates, having taken over in December 2019, taking over after Freddie Ljungberg’s one-month spell as interim manager, following the sacking of Unai Emery.
Arteta extended his contract in September 2024, following two successive second-place finishes. Since reaching the Champions League final and ending a 22-year drought by returning the Premier League trophy to North London.
Arsenal have yet to announce a new agreement, but Arteta suggested fans shouldn’t read into the situation, despite entering the final year of his contract.
“They don't have to worry about any of that, because I want to be here. I am extremely happy.
“I feel very grateful to work with the people that I work with and when we have the possibility, we will resolve that. And that's it.”
Arteta’s contract hasn’t felt like the focus this summer, with the Gunners working hard to improve the squad that won the title last season. Arsenal have added both Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis to their ranks, while also being heavily involved in a pursuit of Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, which ultimately failed.
Arteta believes that the squad has to be the priority through the window, suggesting both himself and the club feel comfortable with his own situation.
“There is always another priority, I think. And that's the way we have been treating it, I think, because everybody feels comfortable that the time on the contract is not going to be an issue.
“I think because my will, certainly, is to be here and I am very happy here. My feeling from the club is the same one. That is why everyone is doing things in a really organic way.”
Arteta has made considerable changes since taking charge at Arsenal.
The 44-year-old inherited a squad in need of reshaping and faced plenty of scrutiny as he imposed his own standards, most notably stripping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the captaincy before the striker eventually left the club. Those early years also brought consecutive eighth-place Premier League finishes. Despite the challenges, the Gunners stuck beside their manager in the hope of being rewarded.
Cesc Fabregas reflected on Arsenal’s transformation under Mikel Arteta after returning to the Emirates as Como manager.roundtable.ioCesc Fabregas Explains What Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal Did That ‘Doesn’t Exist’
Cesc Fabregas reflected on Arsenal’s transformation under Mikel Arteta after returning to the Emirates as Como manager.
Last season was the breakthrough. After coming up short in previous years, Arsenal finally finished top of the Premier League.
Arteta now embarks on a new journey; Arsenal had finished second in three consecutive seasons before getting over the line. Now, they’re the team to beat.
Arteta’s time in charge is now something of a rarity in the Premier League. With Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester City this summer, Arteta stands as the league’s longest-serving manager.
Arteta, though, seems unfazed by the ticking clock. He wants to remain at the Emirates and believes the feeling inside the club is the same.