Arsenal believe key man will sign new deal at the club despite interest from foreign club - Reports
Arsenal reportedly strongly believe that current manager Mikel Arteta will sign a new deal with the club. This comes amidst interest from European juggernauts like Barcelona, who are impressed with how Arteta has rebuilt the Gunners into Premier League title contenders.
Life for the Spanish manager at the Emirates Stadium has been remarkable. He has now spent five years at the club, with the owners patiently giving him time to create a squad to his liking. This season saw them concede just 29 goals in 38 appearances (lowest in the league) while coming second in the standings.
Arteta also led them to the UEFA Champions League, where they crashed out to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. It was a tight matchup between both sides, as it ended in 3-2 on aggregate in the Bavarians' favor.
The Spanish tactician's quality has shown throughout his tenure with Arsenal, and according to journalist Dean Jacobs, they are confident he will stay in London. He said to Give Me Sport:
"There is every confidence that Mikel Arteta will sign a new contract this year but, ideally, that will happen soon rather than at the back end of 2024. Arteta has been linked with other jobs, including Barcelona, but he is so deeply engrossed in this project to turn Arsenal into Premier League champions again that there is very little chance of him leaving soon."
"I have spoken to people around the club who are convinced he will sign a new deal. If that happens ahead of the new season, it gives everyone a boost and renewed confidence, but it also helps with the next phase of player recruitment if you are able to promise potential new signings that the trajectory of the last couple of years is going to continue."
Arteta's current contract is set to expire in 2025. Barcelona, meanwhile, recently sacked Xavi Hernandez and have been linked with Hansi Flick.
Arsenal manager calls ambition and determination next season
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has demanded more from his players next season. The north Londoners have come second in the second consecutive season and the Spaniard is keen to finally close the gap on Manchester City.
Speaking about how Arsenal could potentially win the Premier League next season, Arteta said (via Football London):
“It's the only way. Now we see them there and we are there and they took it away from us. It's the second season. There's only one way to do it - you have to be more determined, you have to be more ambitious, you have to have a lot of courage and push every limit in everything that we have. That's the next step.”
Arsenal will be very pleased with their performances over the last two seasons under Arteta. The young manager has proven himself to be one of the best in the league and will hope the third time is the charm next season.