Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has signed a new long-term contract with the club, the Premier League title contenders announced on Thursday.
The 42-year-old Spaniard, who joined Arsenal in late 2019, has reportedly agreed to a three-year deal. Arsenal's statement highlighted Arteta as a key figure in their return to prominence in English and European football.
Arteta expressed his feelings of pride regarding the new deal, saying, "I feel extremely lucky to work every single day with good people and the ambition we have here." He added, "I feel very inspired, I feel challenged, I feel supported and I want to do much more than what we've already done together."
Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke expressed his satisfaction with the new agreement, describing Arteta as "a dynamic and passionate manager, who is relentless in the pursuit of excellence." Kroenke praised Arteta’s understanding of Arsenal’s values and his role in elevating the team.
Previously an assistant coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Arteta succeeded Unai Emery as Arsenal boss in December 2019. He won the FA Cup in his first season, marking his first managerial silverware.
In the Premier League, Arsenal has finished as runners-up to Manchester City in the past two seasons. The team narrowly missed out on winning the title for the first time since 2004. Currently, Arsenal is fourth in the league table, with two wins and a draw. They will face Tottenham in their next match and begin their Champions League campaign against Atalanta next week.
Last month, Arteta addressed his contract situation, stating, "We are on it and we will take care of that in the right moment." He emphasized that his focus had been on the transfer window and expressed contentment with his current position. Arteta had previously been linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
In the summer transfer window, Arsenal strengthened their squad with new signings, including Raheem Sterling, Mikel Merino, and Riccardo Calafiori. However, questions remain about their ability to challenge Manchester City for the title.
