Arteta stays... and promises more glory

Spanish manager Mikel Arteta has described his new contract as “just the beginning of what we can achieve together,” following his signing of a deal that keeps him at Arsenal until 2030. Last season, he led the club to its first English Premier League title since 2004. Arteta’s previous contract with the Gunners was set to expire at the end of the current season, but if he remains in charge until the end of his new deal, he will have spent more than a decade at the Emirates Stadium.

In a statement, the club said the long-anticipated new agreement “reflects our shared belief that the progress we have made and last season’s success mark the beginning of a special period in our history.” Reports indicated that Arteta received a significant salary increase after guiding Arsenal to their first league title in 22 years, following three consecutive runner-up finishes.

The 44-year-old said: “It is an honor to commit my future to the club and to continue working with exceptional people who want the best for Arsenal. This club is unique, with its own character and the feeling it gives you, and I feel a great sense of pride that our journey together will continue.” He added: “We have already built a special bond and created memories that will last a lifetime, and the exciting thing is that it is only the beginning of what we can achieve together.”

Arteta took charge of the North London club in December 2019, succeeding his compatriot Unai Emery, after having played for Arsenal between 2011 and 2016. He has led the team back to the pinnacle of English football, securing their first Premier League title since 2004 and the Arsene Wenger era. Last season, he also guided the Gunners to their first UEFA Champions League final since 2006, though they lost to French side Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.