Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has reassured Arsenal supporters that they have no reason to worry about his future. The manager confirmed that he wants to remain at the club and sign a new contract. The Spaniard is entering the final year of his current deal, but he says the situation is not a concern as Arsenal prepare for another demanding Premier League campaign.
Arteta wants to stay at Arsenal
As reported by the BBC, Arteta said he is “extremely happy” at Arsenal and expects the club to resolve his contract situation when the time is right. The 44-year-old has been in charge since 2019. He guided the Gunners to their first league title in 22 years last season.
Before Arsenal’s Community Shield meeting with Manchester City, reporters asked Arteta whether supporters should be concerned about his contract situation. “They don’t have to worry about any of that because I want to be here, I’m extremely happy,” Arteta said. He added that he feels grateful to work with the people at the club and believes both sides are comfortable with the current situation.
Arsenal contract talks not a priority
As reported by Sky Sports, Arteta and Arsenal will discuss a new agreement, but neither side is treating the matter as an urgent issue. Arteta explained that there is always another priority at the club, which is why discussions over his future have been handled in an “organic way”. He also stressed that his desire to remain in north London has not changed.
“Everybody feels comfortable that the time on the contract is not going to be an issue.My will certainly is to be here and I’m very happy here,” Arteta added. Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke previously described a new deal for Arteta as a major priority. The club therefore expects to reach an agreement eventually.
Mikel Arteta’s all-time managerial stats for Arsenal, as per Arsenal.com:
Matches Managed Wins Draws Loses Win (%) Major Trophies
251 212 66 73 60.4% 1x Premier League,1x FA Cup,2x FA Community Shield
Arsenal FC Manager - Mikel Arteta
Arsenal FC Manager - Mikel Arteta
Gunners continue to strengthen squad
Arsenal are also focused on improving their squad after a successful campaign last season. The club have invested heavily during the transfer window, signing Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle, Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge and making Piero Hincapie’s loan move permanent.
Goalkeeper Illan Meslier has also joined from Leeds United. Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior and Christian Norgaard have left the club. Arsenal are still looking for more defensive cover after injuries to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber. Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah are among their possible targets.
Arteta also feels his squad can get better after a strong season. Arsenal reached the Champions League final but lost to Paris Saint-Germain. The manager now wants to take the team to the next level. Arteta believes Arsenal have enough attacking quality when everyone is fit. However, he also pointed to the many injuries they had last season. The Gunners want to improve again and build a stronger squad for the new campaign, while competing at the highest level of football.
Arteta’s comments give Arsenal fans a clear view of his future as the club prepare for another tough season. His focus is now on building a team that can compete in every competition. He said his job is to prepare Arsenal to win in any situation, no matter who they face. With Arteta keen to stay and Arsenal still adding to the squad, the club can now focus on their ambitions. Talks over a new deal can wait for a quieter time in the season.
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