Mikel Arteta has declared that “this is just the start” of what he hopes to accomplish with Arsenal after agreeing to a new long-term contract that could extend his time in charge beyond 10 years.
The Spanish coach is thought to have accepted a four-year agreement worth more than £20m per season, which would make him the Premier League’s highest-paid manager. The substantial increase reflects his achievements last season, when Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the title following three consecutive second-place finishes.
Arteta replaced Unai Emery in December 2019 and is now the Premier League’s longest-serving manager following Pep Guardiola’s exit from Manchester City. After his team lost last season’s Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout, the 44-year-old is aiming for further trophies and hopes to establish a lasting era of success at the club he once captained under Arsène Wenger.
“I am honoured to dedicate my future to this club and keep working alongside outstanding people who always want what is best for Arsenal,” Arteta said. “There is something distinctive about this club, from its identity to the emotions it inspires, and I feel extremely fortunate that our shared journey is continuing. We have formed a remarkable connection and made unforgettable memories, but the most exciting part is that we are only getting started.”
“This is an immensely proud occasion for both me and my family. Our wonderful supporters have shown me tremendous affection and respect, and those feelings are fully returned by me and everyone around me.”
Arteta’s former agreement was scheduled to run out at the end of the season and was reportedly worth approximately £10m annually, along with a £5m bonus for Champions League qualification. His latest contract, which lasts until June 2030, confirms his position among the world’s highest-earning coaches. Members of his coaching team have also agreed to extensions.
“The journey to this point has been extraordinary, and we are looking forward to the next chapter of this special partnership,” Arsenal co-chairs Stan and Josh Kroenke said. “Last season provided an unforgettable chapter in the club’s history and gave us memories that will remain with us forever. We are committed to producing many more memorable moments in the coming years.”
“We have developed a strong connection with Mikel and take enormous pride in everything accomplished since his return in 2019. He understands Arsenal’s principles at a profound level and embodies them in everything he does. He appreciates how much the club matters to everyone associated with it and remains determined to expand upon our collective progress.”
Arsenal announced this week that proposals for a significant enlargement of the Emirates Stadium have been put aside. Arteta is believed to have raised concerns about the upheaval a temporary relocation could create. His team host Leeds on Saturday and will look to recover from an unexpected 3-0 loss at Brighton before the international break, a result that brought the champions’ perfect opening to the season to an end.
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