Story by Stephen Killen
Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract with Premier League champions Arsenal, according to the BBC. The title-winning boss has landed a lucrative new deal worth a reported £10million per year, with £5m in bonuses.
The 44-year-old, who took over from Unai Emery in December 2019, helped the Gunners return to the summit of English football after winning the Premier League at a canter last term. It remains unclear what the length of his new contract will be, as he could have left the club at the end of the season when his initial deal was set to expire, but is set to see the Spaniard remain at the helm in north London for at least 10 years.
Liverpool and Manchester City both lost long-standing managers in Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, posing uncertainty and transition periods at both North West clubs. It leaves Arsenal with continuity and stability going into an important period as they look to establish themselves as a European powerhouse.
Reports had widely suggested that the Arsenal tactician was set to sign a new deal having been involved in talks over new and improved terms for a number of months. BBC Sport have reported that a final agreement has been reached with a significant hike on his original deal.
Arsenal have made a positive start to their title defence but suffered a first blemish when they were brushed aside 3-0 at Brighton & Hove Albion. It leaves them going into the international break three points behind early pace-setters Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta© Getty
Last week, Arteta confirmed that he would be signing a new deal at the Emirates Stadium, alleviating any doubt about him being in charge for one final campaign. He said: “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.
“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.”
