In north London, Arsenal have tied Mikel Arteta’s next chapter to the end of the decade, extending the Spanish coach’s stay at a club he has already led back to the summit of English football.
The news from the club
Arteta has signed a new contract running until 2030, taking his Arsenal tenure beyond 10 years if he sees out the agreement. The 44-year-old took charge in December 2019, and his previous deal had been due to end after the current season.
The new terms are reported to be worth £20 million per year, or about $26.40 million, placing Arteta among the game’s best-paid coaches.
Having guided Arsenal to the English title last season, ending a 22-year wait for the club to be crowned champions again, Arteta also took the Gunners to the Champions League final. His renewal gives continuity to a side seeking to turn that return to prominence into a longer European-era project.
“We have already built a special bond and made memories that will last a lifetime,” Arteta said. “The most exciting part is that this is only the beginning of what we can achieve together.”
Arteta knows Arsenal from both sides of the touchline. He spent the final five years of his playing career with the club before returning as head coach.
Co-chairmen Stan and Josh Kroenke said the manager has a deep understanding of Arsenal’s values and carries them with him. They added that he recognises what the club means to those connected with it and remains committed to building on the work already completed.
A place in Arsenal history
Should Arteta remain in post through 2030, he would become Arsenal’s third-longest-serving manager, behind only Arsène Wenger and George Allison. He is also set to be comfortably the longest-serving head coach currently working in the Premier League.
Arsenal said the extension reflects its aim of competing for major honours sustainably while continuing to strengthen the relationship between the team and its supporters.
The wider English landscape could also change around them. Manchester City are facing possible sanctions, ranging from substantial fines to expulsion from the Premier League, after an independent commission found the club guilty of extensive financial-rule breaches. City have appealed the ruling.
