Mikel Arteta has signed a new long-term contract at Arsenal, extending a reign that began in December 2019 and is now set to run beyond a decade. The Spaniard is understood to have agreed a four-year deal that secures his future at the club until 2030, and he greeted the agreement with a promise that there is more to come.
The deal carries a hefty pay rise in recognition of his success last season, when Arsenal ended a 22-year wait to be crowned Premier League champions after three successive runners-up finishes. Arteta’s previous contract had been due to expire at the end of this season, and the new terms are believed to be worth about £10m a season plus a £5m bonus for reaching the Champions League. That will cement his status among the best-paid managers in the world. His coaching staff have also signed extended deals.
“It’s a privilege to commit my future to the club and to continue to work with exceptional people who want the best for Arsenal,” Arteta said. “This club is unique, its character and the way it makes you feel, and I have a great sense of privilege that our journey together will continue. We have already built a special bond and created memories that will last a lifetime, and what is so exciting is that this is only the beginning of what we can achieve together.”
He added: “This is such a proud moment for me and my family. I feel the love and respect from our fantastic supporters, and they have mine – and ours – in return.”
Arteta, 44, took over from Unai Emery in December 2019 and is now the Premier League’s longest-serving manager following the departure of Pep Guardiola from Manchester City. He previously served as Arsenal captain under Arsène Wenger. Last season ended with a Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on a penalty shootout, and the manager is targeting further silverware as he seeks to build a winning dynasty in north London.
Arsenal’s co-chairs, Stan and Josh Kroenke, welcomed the extension. “It has been an incredible journey so far and we are excited for what lies ahead in this special relationship,” they said. “Last season was an incredible moment in Arsenal’s history, a moment in which we created memories that will last a lifetime. We’re determined to create many more in the years ahead. We share a special bond with Mikel. We are so proud of everything we have achieved since he returned to the club in 2019. He has a deep understanding of Arsenal’s values and carries them in his heart. He knows what this club means to everyone connected to it and is committed to building on everything we have achieved together.”
Away from the contract, Arsenal confirmed this week that they have shelved plans for a major expansion of the Emirates Stadium, after Arteta is believed to have expressed concern over the disruption a temporary move would have caused. On the pitch, his side face Leeds on Saturday as they attempt to bounce back from a surprise 3-0 defeat to Brighton before the international break, a result that ended the champions’ 100% start to the new campaign.