Arsenal are edging closer to finalising a contract extension agreement with Mikel Arteta, with the 44-year-old now on the verge of putting pen to paper on a lucrative new deal.
The Spaniard’s current contract is due to expire at the end of the 2026-27 season, but talks over fresh terms have been ongoing for several weeks and widespread reports insist that a deal will be struck.
Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal are advancing in talks over a contract extension with Arteta’s camp and an agreement is viewed as a “top priority” by the Gunners hierarchy.
Arteta himself eased any concerns amongst the Arsenal fanbase in August, admitting: “They [the fans] 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,” said Arteta about his contract talks.
“When we have the possibility, we will resolve that. That’s it. Everybody feels comfortable that the timing of the contract is not going to be an issue because my will certainly is to be here and I’m very happy here.
“My feeling from the club is the same one. That’s why everyone is doing things in a very organic way.”
Arsenal are also in contract extension talks with Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber, and all four deals are likely to be officially announced by the club before Christmas. An agreement with Arteta is by far the most important, though.