Mikel Arteta has confirmed that he will begin negotiations with Arsenal over a new contract once the transfer window closes on August 30.
With just a year remaining on the Spaniard’s current deal, which expires in June 2025, Arsenal fans have expressed concern about his long-term future in North London. However, Arteta explained that the delay in contract discussions was due to the ongoing transfer window and assured that talks would commence at the “right moment.”
Arteta waiting for “right moment” to enter talks
“The focus has been on the transfer window,” Arteta stated. “We had quite a lot of things to do and discuss. We are on it, and we will take care of that at the right moment.” He further clarified that this “right moment” would be after the transfer window closes.
Reflecting on his five-year tenure as Arsenal’s manager, Arteta expressed his gratitude and optimism for the future.
“I am very grateful, first of all, for where I’m sitting and the people I work with every single day. It’s really difficult to find that harmony, trust, belief, and alignment in the vision.
“It’s something I always mention because I believe we still have an unbelievable time ahead of us. It’s very exciting, and I am very excited about it.”
From Man City assistant to Arsenal star
The 42-year-old was an assistant manager under Pep Guardiola at Man City before Arsenal hired him in 2019. In his first season, Arteta won the FA Cup for the Gunners but finished in a disappointing 8th position in the Premier League. The next season was marginally better, with Arsenal finishing with 61 points, 5 points more than the previous season, although they still finished 8th.
In Arteta’s third season, Arsenal qualified for the Europa League after finishing 5th. The season started horribly, with Arsenal losing their first three games without scoring a goal, leaving them at the bottom of the table and leading to calls for his sacking. However, Arsenal kept faith in him, and the team improved considerably over the course of the season.
MUST READ: Arsenal will sell another high-profile player before transfer window slams shut
The next two seasons were some of the best in Arsenal’s recent history. The Gunners gave Man City a tough title fight but eventually finished 2nd in both seasons. Arteta committing his future to Arsenal is a big deal. Under him, the Gunners has shown the potential to win titles, and the Spaniard will be pushing the team to realise that potential.
