Mikel Arteta contract update emerges as Arsenal stance now becomes very clear

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Arsenal are yet to secure the long-term future of Mikel Arteta.

Mikel Arteta currently only has 18-months remaining on his existing contract as Arsenal manager. 

In relative terms, the Spanish coach has already enjoyed a fairly lengthy stint in the Emirates Stadium dugout.

Having previously captained the north London club in his playing days, Arteta was given the top job in December 2019, taking his first step into management as he replaced Unai Emery.

Things got off to an excellent start, as he led the Gunners to an FA Cup triumph at the end of his first half-season at the helm.

However, after that initial success there was certainly a period of struggle. Arteta guided Arsenal to an eighth-place finish at the end of his first full season in charge, and came under real pressure and intense scrutiny at times throughout that campaign.

Sporting director, and fellow former Arsenal midfielder, Edu has since publicly opened up about why the club opted to stick with Arteta through that difficult time. 

The manager has gradually reshaped the squad, grown as a coach, and built a team in his own image. This has brought with it significant rewards. Last season, Arsenal emerged as surprise title contenders, and led the Premier League table for the majority of the campaign whilst playing an exciting brand of football.

What next for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal?

Whilst the Gunners ultimately missed out on being crowned champions, they did secure a return to the Champions League, and Arteta was backed heavily in the summer transfer window, with big money being spent to bring the likes of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber to the club.

Whilst recent form has been poor, Arsenal will still very much feel that they are in a title race once again this season. Supporters of the club should certainly believe that this campaign can still end in glory. 

It would seem, then, that it should be a formality for Arteta to be offered fresh terms. However, he is yet to put pen to paper on a contract extension. Journalist Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on the situation.

As quoted by Caught Offside, the reporter said, “some fans have been asking me about Mikel Arteta having just 18 months left on his contract – at the moment Arsenal’s priority is to focus on the January window and getting better results on the pitch as soon as possible.”

“There is no news on Arteta, but they’re not in a rush, they are very happy together. Arteta loves Arsenal and the club is very happy with him, so there’s no rush, all parties are relaxed.”

It is apparent that there is every intention from all sides for Arteta to extend his stint in charge. However, fans will be pleased to hear that full focus is currently being applied to making the most of the current January transfer window.