Mikel Arteta is now “very, very close” to signing a new Arsenal contract as negotiations over his long-term future reach their final stages.
The reigning Premier League champions have spent months working to secure the manager who ended their 22-year wait for the title last season.
There has been little concern over Arteta leaving the Emirates, but Fabrizio Romano has now delivered the clearest indication yet that an agreement is approaching.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, as reported by TEAMtalk, Romano confirmed that talks between Arsenal and Arteta’s representatives continue to progress.
He said Arsenal regard the new contract as “a top priority”, with negotiations now reaching the final stages.
Mikel Arteta contract enters final stages
Arsenal’s discussions with Arteta began several months ago.
Romano says initial contact with the Spaniard’s representatives took place around March and April before lawyers became involved in working through the remaining details.
The transfer reporter added that Arteta is “very, very close” to signing the extension and expects him to eventually put pen to paper.
That represents further progression from the situation ReadArsenal reported in August.
At that stage, Arteta was expected to agree a new three-year Arsenal contract after chief executive Richard Garlick publicly played down concern over the manager’s future.
Arteta’s existing agreement runs until the end of the 2026/27 season.
He has also made his own position clear, having previously stressed that he wants to remain in north London.
Arsenal stability continues after Premier League title
The timing gives Arsenal another reason for optimism.
Arteta delivered the club’s first Premier League title in 22 years last season and has followed it by overseeing another perfect start to the new league campaign.
Arsenal have won their opening four Premier League matches this term, with victories over Coventry City, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Sunderland.
Romano also highlighted the positive mood surrounding the project as negotiations move towards a conclusion.
That stability extends beyond Arteta.
Sporting director Andrea Berta has continued reshaping Arsenal’s squad and longer-term recruitment structure, while the club have also moved quickly to secure emerging talent.
ReadArsenal recently covered Arsenal’s agreement for highly-rated Georgian youngster Andria Bartishvili, while academy defender Marli Salmon signed his first professional Arsenal contract last month.
Arteta remaining at the centre of that project would provide continuity as Arsenal attempt to turn one title-winning season into a sustained period of success.
No contract has yet been formally announced.
But Romano’s latest update suggests Arsenal are now approaching the final step.
Ipswich boss admits Arsenal are tough to beat ‘even if you do everything right’
Ipswich boss admits Arsenal are tough to beat ‘even if you do everything right’
Arsenal eye Nico Paz as Real Madrid hold £69m transfer key
Arsenal eye Nico Paz as Real Madrid hold £69m transfer key