Mikel Arteta has made it clear that he wants to continue as Arsenal manager despite not having signed a fresh contract yet. The Spaniard’s current deal runs until 2027, but he does not see his contract situation as a concern.
Arteta’s previous extension was signed in September 2024 and talks over another deal have been taking place since earlier this year. However, the Arsenal boss said other priorities have meant there has been no urgency to complete the process.
“The fans don’t have to worry about any of that, because I want to be here. I am extremely happy. I feel very grateful to work with the people that I work with and when we have the possibility, we will resolve that. And that’s it,” Arteta said.
He also stressed that his desire to stay is matched by the club’s position, suggesting there is little reason for either side to rush the negotiations.
NO RUSH ON NEW DEAL
Arteta explained that Arsenal have simply dealt with his contract alongside their other priorities rather than making it an immediate issue.
“There is always another priority, I think!” he said, adding that everyone at the club is comfortable with the situation.
“My will, certainly, is to be here and I am very happy here. My feeling from the club is the same one. That is why everyone is doing things in a really organic way.”
Arteta has been in charge at Arsenal since December 2019 and is now the longest-serving manager among the 92 clubs in the English Football League after Pep Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City.
ARTETA LOOKS BACK
The Arsenal manager also reflected on the challenge of finally winning the Premier League after three consecutive second-place finishes behind Manchester City.
Arteta admitted that trying to overtake Guardiola’s side was a major test, particularly because of the strength and stability already established at City.
He said the experience forced Arsenal to keep improving across the club and push themselves closer to the standards set by their biggest rivals.
“When I arrived here, I had a sense in terms of distance and years how far we were behind,” Arteta said. “And to be able to win it in the time that we’ve done it, I think we should feel proud of it.”
Arsenal now begin their title defence with the chance to retain the Premier League for the first time in almost 90 years. They face Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday before opening their league campaign against Coventry City next Friday.
Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi are expected to return to the squad for the Community Shield.
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