Mikel Arteta Agrees New Contract to Stay as Arsenal Manager

A DEAL REACHED

Mikel Arteta has agreed an improved new contract with Premier League champions Arsenal, extending his stay at the club beyond this season. His current deal was due to expire at the end of the campaign, and BBC Sport reported earlier this month that an agreement between all parties was close. It is now understood the two sides have reached a final agreement, though the exact length of the new contract has not been confirmed. It is set to take him into at least his 10th year at the club following his arrival in December 2019.

The new deal includes a sharp pay increase from his current salary of £10 million per year plus an additional £5 million in bonuses. Speaking about the contract talks last week, Arteta said fans did not need to "worry" because he wanted to stay. "I'm extremely happy and I feel very grateful to work with the people I work with," he said.

BUILDING A DYNASTY

Arteta has been transparent about his desire to remain at Arsenal beyond this season, and the club's revitalization under him is viewed by many, including Arteta himself, as just the beginning. Winning Arsenal's first Premier League title in 20 years last season was a landmark moment, and coming within a penalty shootout of the club's first Champions League trophy was, in BBC Sport's words, a "gut-wrenching blow" that has only sharpened his motivation to go further.

WHY IT MATTERS

With his contract situation resolved, the foundation of Arsenal's recent transformation into one of European football's leading forces stays in place heading into the rest of the season, removing any uncertainty over the club's direction just as the title race and a renewed Champions League push get underway.