London, 12 SEPT – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has agreed a new three-year contract with the English Premier League club, ending speculation about his future, several media reported today.
The 42-year-old Spanish manager, who previously had 12 months left on his contract at the Emirates, is now expected to stay until 2027.
Arteta, who previously coached under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, replaced Unai Emery as Arsenal manager in December 2019. He won the FA Cup in his first season, his first trophy as a manager.
Arsenal have twice been runners-up in the Premier League, behind Manchester City, but have yet to win the league title since the last time in 2004. Arteta’s side are currently fourth in the league with two wins and a draw and are set to begin their Champions League campaign -Champions next week against Atalanta.
According to reports BBCArteta’s new contract is expected to be announced ahead of Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham.
Arteta, who has played 150 times for Arsenal and captained the team, has previously asked not to panic over his contract situation and insisted his focus is on the transfer window.
“We are working on it and will manage it at the right time,” said Arteta, who has previously been linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
“I am where I want to be and I am very happy. I hope the club shares the same view, as do the players I train, which in my opinion is the most important.”
Arsenal have strengthened their squad in the summer transfer window by bringing in a number of players including Raheem Sterling, Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori, but there are still doubts whether they have enough attack to compete. – AFP
