Arsenal news as Mikel Arteta's players begin to return from the international break
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta acknowledges the fans after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Aston Villa FC and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on August 31, 2026 in Birmingham, England.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has extended his stay with the club(Image: Visionhaus, Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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Arsenal return to Premier League action against Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium with a chance to put their defeat at Brighton behind them.
The international break has left Mikel Arteta's side waiting three weeks to respond to that 3-0 loss, which brought a disappointing end to their impressive run of results. Despite that setback, the Gunners remain second in the table and have recorded seven wins across all competitions this season.
Their title defence resumes with a home fixture, but fitness concerns will be part of the preparations as the squad get back together. Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres and Mikel Merino each scored more than once for their countries during the break, offering encouragement ahead of the return to club football.
There are injury concerns, however, with Ezri Konsa, Kai Havertz and Christos Tzolis all working to recover from issues picked up during Nations League duty before the Leeds match. Now, football.london takes a look at two of the latest stories surrounding the north Londoners.
Contract announcement issued
Mikel Arteta at Sobha Realty Training Centre on October 07, 2026 in London Colney, England.
Arsenal have announced Mikel Arteta's new contract(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal confirmed on Wednesday that Arteta has committed his future to the club with a new contract until 2030. The Spaniard guided the Gunners to their first league title in 22 years last season.
Arteta arrived as head coach in late 2019 during a low period for the north London club. He is now set to become the Premier League's highest-paid manager following Pep Guardiola's departure last summer.
BBC Sport reports that the deal represents an increase on his existing salary of £10m a year, plus £5m in bonuses. The agreement would also take the 44-year-old beyond a decade in charge, making him comfortably the longest-serving manager in the top flight.
Arteta said: "It's a privilege to commit my future to the club and to continue to work with exceptional people who want the best for Arsenal. This club is unique, its character and the way it makes you feel, and I have a great sense of privilege that our journey together will continue.
"We have already built a special bond and created memories that will last a lifetime, and what is so exciting is that this is only the beginning of what we can achieve together. I'm extremely grateful to Stan and Josh (Kroenke) for their trust and support, and feel honoured to be leading this club through such a special period in its 140-year history.
"This is such a proud moment for me and my family. I feel the love and respect from our fantastic supporters, and they have mine – and ours - in return."
£21m January transfer update
Gilberto Mora of Tijuana looks on during the Liga MX Torneo Apertura 2026 9th-round match between Pachuca and Xolos at Hidalgo Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Pachuca, Mexico.
Arsenal have been linked with a January move for 17-year-old Gilberto Mora(Image: Jam Media, Getty Images)
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Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing 17-year-old Mexican talent Gilberto Mora. TEAMtalk reports that the Gunners have already made contact over a potential January move for the Club Tijuana attacking midfielder.
Mora turns 18 this month, meaning Arsenal, who have monitored him for some time, can complete his signing in January. He is under contract with the Xolos until 2029, but FIFA regulations preventing an international transfer while he is a minor will no longer apply once he turns 18.
Scouts watched him during the World Cup, where he became Mexico's youngest-ever participant at the tournament. He has already earned 13 caps for his country, attracting interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona among other leading clubs.
The report claims Arsenal are ready to pursue him more 'aggressively' than their Premier League rivals and other European suitors. It also states that Mora has a release clause of between €20m and €25m (£16.9m-£21.1m).