Mikel Arteta has agreed an improved new contract with Arsenal, which will make him one of the highest-paid managers in the world. It brings to an end any lingering uncertainty over his future with the Premier League champions.
The 44-year-old’s existing deal was due to expire at the end of this season, but there had been little suggestion that either party had any appetite for change. As recently as last week, Arteta said he and the club were “very much aligned” and expressed confidence that an agreement would be reached.
The new contract is also a reward for what Arteta achieved last season. After three successive runners-up finishes, Arsenal finally ended their 22-year wait for the Premier League title, making Arteta the first manager since Arsène Wenger in 2004 to lead the club to the championship. Arsenal also reached the Champions League final before losing to Paris Saint-Germain.
His trajectory at the Emirates is also seen as confirmation of the value of clubs backing their managers. Appointed in December 2019 to his first senior managerial position, he initially struggled to produce consistent results as Arsenal twice finished eighth in the Premier League.
However, the club’s hierarchy continued to back him as he rebuilt the squad and gradually returned Arsenal to the title race. That faith was finally rewarded last season.
A new contract had consequently become one of Arsenal’s priorities. Co-chair Josh Kroenke described securing Arteta’s future as an “utmost priority” in May, while negotiations continued through the summer.
Cynics may point out that the extension announcement was released to give the club’s fans a timely boost. The club’s attempt to defend their title had begun impressively, with four successive Premier League victories, but Saturday’s 3–0 defeat at Brighton provided a reminder that retaining the championship may prove even harder than winning it. Arteta admitted afterwards that Brighton had deserved their victory and that his side had failed to respect some of the basics.
There has also been some frustration over Arsenal’s summer transfer business. Bruno Guimarães was the major arrival, but the club missed out on several attacking targets and ended deadline day without adding another forward.
Arteta’s new deal at least removes one potential distraction. Arsenal have made their long-term position clear — the manager who finally returned the Premier League trophy to the Emirates is also the man they want to lead the attempt to keep it there.
