‘Not going to be an issue’: Mikel Arteta relaxed about Arsenal contract situation
Developed over time first seen 2 months ago
Mikel Arteta says he is unconcerned by his Arsenal contract expiring at the end of the coming season, stressing that he wants to stay and that both he and the club are comfortable with the timing of talks. His position matters as Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence, with Arteta now the division’s longest-serving manager following Pep Guardiola’s exit from Manchester City.
Arsenal play Manchester City in Sunday’s Community Shield in Cardiff and are favourites to win successive league titles for the first time since the 1930s. Arteta signed a three-year extension in September 2024, and said transfer planning has taken priority; Arsenal are negotiating with Bayer Leverkusen for Jarell Quansah and could pursue an attacker if Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus depart.
- Arteta expects to remain Arsenal manager beyond his current contract.
- Arsenal begin their title defence against Manchester City.
- Recruitment remains a priority before the new season.
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Mikel Arteta has managed Arsenal since late 2019, taking over when the club had gone several years without challenging regularly for the Premier League title. He has overseen a rebuild of the squad and led Arsenal back into the competition for major trophies.
A manager’s contract sets out how long they are employed by a club, so its final year can prompt questions about future plans. Arsenal’s agreement with Arteta currently runs until the end of next season, although he has said he wants to stay.
Arsenal are one of England’s biggest clubs and compete with teams including Manchester City for the Premier League, the country’s top division. The Community Shield is an annual match usually played between the league champions and FA Cup winners, and is traditionally the first major fixture of the English season.