Mikel Arteta agrees new 3-year Arsenal contract, huge payrise expected | OneFootball

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has agreed a new contract with the club, securing his future at the Emirates Stadium until 2027.

The news, first reported by David Ornstein, represents a boost for the Gunners in a week of bad injury news as they prepare for the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday.

Arteta’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of the current season.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans following the team’s victory during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Emirates Stadium on August 17, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

The new three-year extension underscores Arsenal‘s confidence in Arteta, who has played a pivotal role in the club’s revival since taking over from Unai Emery in December 2019.

The 41-year-old manager has not only led Arsenal back to the upper echelons of the Premier League but has also been credited with transforming the club’s playing style, integrating youth players, and fostering a team spirit that has resonated with the fanbase.

In short, he has overhauled the entire culture of the club.

Since becoming manager, Arteta has overseen significant progress on the pitch as well as off it, culminating in two runner-up finishes in the Premier League last season and return to the Champions League. He also won the FA Cup.

Mikel Arteta receiving his award at the Globe Soccer Awards from Cesc Fabregas (Photo via Globe Soccer Awards on Twitter)

The contract extension also reflects Arteta‘s standing within the club and the Premier League, with reports suggesting that the new deal could significantly increase his current £9 million-a-year salary.

While exact figures remain undisclosed, speculation points to a salary that could approach the £20 million-a-year mark, positioning Arteta among the highest-paid managers in the league, on par with the likes of Pep Guardiola.

This would represent a significant financial commitment from Arsenal, signalling their long-term trust in Arteta’s project.

The Spaniard’s reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young managers has grown in recent years, and Arsenal’s move to tie him down reflects their ambition to continue challenging at the highest levels of domestic and European football.

Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta shouts instructions to the players from the touchline during the pre-season friendly football match for the Emirates Cup final between Arsenal and and Lyon, at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 11, 2024. (Photo by BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP via Getty Images)

Arteta’s role at the club has expanded since his arrival, having transitioned from head coach to manager in 2020, with broader control over the club’s sporting operations. His strong working relationship with Edu Gaspar, Arsenal’s technical director, has been crucial in shaping the team’s transfer strategy and squad development.

The pair have been instrumental in securing key signings, such as Gabriel Jesus and Declan Rice, while also renewing the contracts of key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard.

The Kroenke family has been fully supportive of Arteta’s vision, providing the financial backing required to keep the club competitive both in England and across Europe.

Edu Gaspar, Stan Kroenke, Cecil Jee Thomas, Mikel Arteta, Josh Kroenke, and Tim Lewis pose for a photo (via Cecil_Jee on Instagram)

As Arsenal look to solidify their place among Europe’s elite, Arteta’s new contract also ensures stability at a time when other top clubs are frequently changing managers.

The Gunners have been proactive in recent years, securing long-term deals for key players and now locking down their manager, a move that signals their intent to maintain continuity and build for future success.

The announcement ahead of the North London Derby also serves as a statement of intent, with Arsenal looking to extend their strong start to the season and remain at the top of the table.

While Arteta’s journey at Arsenal has had its share of challenges, his leadership has rejuvenated a club that was once drifting in mid-table mediocrity.

Now, with his future secured, Arsenal can look forward to continuing their upward trajectory under his guidance, aiming to return to the very top of English and European football.