Mikel Arteta has played down concerns about his Arsenal deal entering its final season, insisting that his focus is on helping the team improve enough to retain the title.
The reigning Premier League champions meet Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City in Sunday’s Community Shield in Cardiff and are widely expected to secure consecutive league crowns for the first time since the 1930s. Following Pep Guardiola’s exit from City, Arteta is now the division’s longest-serving manager, having taken charge of Arsenal in December 2019.
Arteta agreed to a three-year extension in September 2024 after Arsenal ended the previous campaign behind City. A fresh agreement, potentially placing him among the world’s best-paid coaches, had been anticipated during the summer. However, he explained that strengthening the squad has taken precedence while making clear that his commitment to Arsenal remains unchanged.
“There is no reason for anyone to be concerned because I want to remain here. I am extremely happy and grateful to work alongside these people. We will settle everything when the opportunity arises, and that is all there is to it,” he said.
When asked whether negotiations could resume after the transfer window closes, Arteta said: “There always seems to be something more urgent, and that is how we have approached the situation. Everyone is comfortable and does not see the remaining length of my contract as a problem. I definitely want to stay, and I am very happy here. I believe the club feels the same, which is why the process is unfolding naturally.”
Arsenal have begun discussions with Bayer Leverkusen regarding Jarell Quansah as they look for additional cover for William Saliba and Jurriën Timber. They may also pursue another forward if Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus depart. After Vinícius Júnior chose to extend his stay at Real Madrid, Arteta backed Arsenal’s recruitment approach and expressed hope that further additions could still be made.
“I am very satisfied with the squad and the players available to me, and I have complete confidence in the club’s ambition. Our actions have already demonstrated that,” he said.
“At the same time, we must follow our own path. We possess major strengths, but we also have to recognise that we do not have every resource or structure available to certain other clubs. We will continue working in the way we believe is right, giving ourselves the strongest possible chance to challenge in every competition.”
Arteta added: “Our preparations are focused on raising our standards because we expect our rivals to improve as well. That has been the pattern in the league over recent seasons, so we have built our plans around developing the team and reaching another level.”
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