The Athletic journalist David Ornstein has revealed the reason behind manager Mikel Arteta committing himself to a short-term contract with Arsenal.
The 42-year-old received much media attention in mid-August when he admitted that he will sort out his contract issues with the club once the summer window closes.
As promised, the Spaniard signed a three-year extension, stretching his stay at the Emirates until 2027. There is an option for an additional year, which can get triggered later on.
The fans were ecstatic to hear the news since they wanted the former Arsenal player to remain on the touch line for years to come. Arteta has truly transformed the way the Gunners used to function.
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From helping them dominate in the Premier League to competing in the Champions League, he has done a commendable job since returning back from Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s assistant.
Pep Guardiola: “When Arteta was my assistant we scored a lot of goals and he always jumped and celebrated, except against one team.”
This man loved Arsenal. It’s the club of his heart.pic.twitter.com/yB6ecnzghq
— Gußtavö (@bradjrr) September 28, 2023
The North London outfit works smartly in the transfer windows and are able to handle the squad issues very well. Arteta had a tough task of managing an injury-prone roster vs. Tottenh*m Hotsp*r.
The Spaniard made sure that we returned back with all three points, his current crop of players giving their best performance for him and the club.
Fans wanted the manager to extend his contract a bit more, and they remained curious to know the reason behind agreeing on a shorter deal. While speaking to the Athletic FC podcast, Ornstein said: “Some people have said to me why didn’t it go on for longer, you know it’s a bit of a shot term, they’ll have to be renegotiating within a couple of years.”
“But that’s what they both wanted, it seems a very harmonious camp.”
Both parties wanted to let the future decide their further course of action. If Arteta wants, he might extend more or do a Jurgen Klopp and retire from the league after serving this long.
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There isn’t any shortage of suitors for Arteta. Barcelona have always maintained an interest. But Ornstein stated that he doesn’t hold any concrete information regarding the same. He said: “There have been reports linking him to Barcelona. Barcelona have made admiring glances in his direction in recent times.”
“There have even been suggestions that Manchester City might have him at the top of their list for when or if Guardiola leaves. Let’s see on that front, I’ve got no information.”
Barcelona admires the Spaniard’s style of play, and they believe that their players will flourish under the young manager. Similarly, Man City were linked with a move as Guardiola’s contract expires next summer. He has won literally everything at the club, and it remains to be seen whether he agrees to extend his contract.
Meanwhile, Arteta has a lot more to do this campaign. With games coming in thick and fast for Arsenal, he needs to keep his team ready for every challenge coming their way.
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A sudden burst of injury issues will further test his problem-solving skills as a manager. We expect him to do well and repay the faith placed upon him by the hierarchy.
