Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has signed a new long-term contract with the club, as announced on Thursday. The 42-year-old Spaniard, who joined Arsenal in late 2019, is reportedly set to remain with the team for an additional three years.
In a statement, Arsenal highlighted Arteta’s significant role in helping the team regain prominence in English and European football. Arteta expressed his pride in the new deal, stating, “I feel extremely lucky to work every single day with good people and the ambition we have here.”
He added, “I feel very inspired, I feel challenged, I feel supported and I want to do much more than what we’ve already done together.”
Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke praised Arteta, describing him as “a dynamic and passionate manager, who is relentless in the pursuit of excellence.” Kroenke emphasized Arteta’s deep understanding of Arsenal’s values and his impact on elevating the team’s performance.
Arteta, who previously served as an assistant coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, replaced Unai Emery as Arsenal head coach in December 2019. He won the FA Cup in his first season, marking his first managerial silverware.
Under Arteta’s guidance, Arsenal has finished as Premier League runners-up to Manchester City for the past two seasons. The team is currently fourth in the league, following two wins and a draw. Arsenal will face Tottenham in a north London derby on Sunday and will begin their Champions League campaign against Atalanta next week.
Arteta, who played 150 games for Arsenal and captained the side, had previously called for calm regarding his contract situation, assuring that his focus remained on the transfer window. He had been linked with positions at Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona but stated, “I don’t think anybody has to panic. I am in the place where I want to be and am really happy.”
Arsenal has reinforced their squad this summer with new signings including Raheem Sterling, Mikel Merino, and Riccardo Calafiori. However, questions remain about whether the team has sufficient firepower to compete with champions Manchester City.
