In north London, Arsenal are preparing to give Mikel Arteta’s project a longer horizon. The reigning Premier League champions have reached an agreement to improve the Basque coach’s contract, with an official confirmation expected during the international break in the coming days.
The news from the club
Arteta’s current deal expires at the end of this season, although talks over an extension had been under way for several months. Both the manager and the club have long indicated that they want the relationship to continue.
The length of the proposed agreement has not been disclosed. Yet the terms would put the 44-year-old in a position to reach a full decade in charge at the Emirates Stadium, having arrived in December 2019 after leaving his role as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.
The new arrangement is set to include a substantial rise on Arteta’s present salary of £10 million per year, or €13.4 million, along with up to £5 million (€6.7 million) in bonuses.
Asked on Friday about the state of negotiations, Arteta said supporters had no need for concern because he wants to remain at Arsenal. He said he was extremely happy and grateful to work alongside the people at the club.
Josh Kroenke, Arsenal’s co-chairman, had already described securing Arteta’s future as the club’s principal task in May, shortly before the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
Arteta led Arsenal to their first league title in 22 years last season, after three successive second-place finishes. His spell has also brought an FA Cup and three Community Shields, as the club seek to establish a sustained era of success under his management.
The early season picture
Arsenal opened the new campaign by beating Manchester City 3-0 to collect a third Community Shield under Arteta. Their title defence then began with four league victories, before Brighton handed them their first setback on Saturday, winning 3-0.
