Arteta close to signing new Arsenal deal despite long-term interest in Spain return

Mikel Arteta is close to agreeing a new contract with Arsenal that will improve on his current terms of £10 million per season, with negotiations having progressed significantly in recent weeks, according to BBC Sport. The 44-year-old’s existing deal expires at the end of June, and the club are keen to remove any uncertainty over his future.

Arteta has overseen a remarkable transformation at the Emirates since taking charge in December 2019, securing Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years, lifting the FA Cup, and guiding the club to a Champions League final. Arsenal are currently among the favourites for the Premier League title this season, adding urgency to the club’s desire to tie their manager down to fresh terms.

While there is no immediate doubt about Arteta’s commitment, Arsenal are aware that a return to his native Spain could appeal to him at some point in the future. However, one factor working in the Gunners’ favour is the significant influence Arteta holds over the club’s operations — an autonomy he would be unlikely to retain at Real Madrid or Barcelona. It was Arteta himself who led Arsenal’s attempts to sign Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez during the summer transfer window.

Arteta addressed the contract situation last month, offering reassurance to supporters. “They don’t have to worry about any of that because I want to be here, I’m extremely happy and I feel very grateful to work with the people I work with,” he said. “Everybody feels comfortable that the timing of the contract is not going to be an issue because my will certainly is to be here.”

Arsenal chief executive Richard Garlick has echoed that sentiment, describing a new long-term deal as a “matter of time”. Once signed, the contract is expected to establish Arteta among the highest-earning managers in world football, with his current package including a £5 million bonus for Champions League qualification on top of his base salary.