Mikel Arteta has reassured supporters that there is no reason to be concerned about his future at Arsenal, saying he hopes to renew his contract and does not consider its remaining duration a problem.
The Gunners manager has entered the final year of the agreement he signed in 2024, but he remains calm about when formal negotiations over an extension will begin.
Arteta has managed Arsenal since 2019 and guided the team to their first Premier League championship in 22 years last season.
Ahead of Arsenal’s Community Shield meeting with Manchester City on Sunday at 15:00 BST, Arteta was asked whether fans should be concerned that he had not yet signed a new contract before the start of the 2026-27 season.
Arteta said supporters had no reason to feel anxious because he wants to remain at the club and is extremely happy there.
He added that he appreciates the opportunity to work with his colleagues and believes the matter will be settled when the right moment arrives.
The Gunners are looking to build on last season’s achievements by improving their squad during the transfer window.
Although their attempt to recruit Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr did not succeed, they have brought in midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle and Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. They have also converted Piero Hincapie’s loan from Bayer Leverkusen into a permanent move, with the three deals costing a combined £143.5m.
Goalkeeper Illan Meslier has joined on a free transfer from Leeds United, while Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior and Christian Norgaard have departed from last season’s squad.
Following injuries to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, the Gunners are still considering Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah as possible additions to strengthen their back line.
As the transfer window remains open until 1 September, the club believes Arteta’s contract can be finalised during a less demanding stage of the season.
Arteta explained that other matters have consistently taken priority and that this is how the situation has been handled.
He said everyone involved is comfortable and does not believe the amount of time left on his agreement will create a difficulty.
The manager reiterated that he intends to stay and remains very happy at the club.
He also believes the club shares that desire, allowing both parties to approach the process naturally rather than forcing a quick resolution.
Arsenal also advanced to last season’s Champions League final, where they lost to Paris St-Germain. Since that defeat, Arteta has repeatedly outlined his determination to help the Gunners reach a higher level.
Arteta declined to discuss specific players but emphasised the scale of the club’s ambitions.
He said the objective is to improve and develop the squad so that the team can fulfil those ambitions.
He added that the club has identified several areas where greater strength is needed and is working to address them.
What do you feel about this post?
Like
Love
Happy
Haha
Sad
