Arsenal are close to securing the long-term future of Mikel Arteta with a new deal; they are also looking to extend the stay of three first-team stars.
Arsenal are making significant progress on a new contract for Mikel Arteta, with discussions also accelerating for Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and Jurrien Timber to pen a new deal at the Emirates.
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal have been working on an extension for Arteta since January, with discussions accelerating during the summer. The Spaniard’s current agreement expires at the end of the season, but there is growing confidence that a new deal will be finalised before the September international break.
Arteta had previously encouraged the club’s hierarchy and sporting director Andrea Berta to prioritise the futures of several important first-team players before focusing fully on his own contract. That work has progressed well, allowing the North London club to now move closer to securing the manager’s long-term commitment.
Arsenal keen to retain their core
There is no concern within the club that Arteta’s contract situation could affect his position. The Spanish tactician is already the seventh-longest-serving manager in Arsenal’s history and has taken charge of 355 matches. He currently boasts the best win percentage of any manager in the club’s history (over 60%), narrowly ahead of legendary former boss Arsene Wenger.
His record has strengthened considerably during the past year. Arteta has guided Arsenal to the Premier League title, ending the club’s long wait for the championship, while also winning the FA Cup and three Community Shields during his tenure.
The team have averaged 2.03 points per game under his leadership. Arsenal are therefore keen to remove any uncertainty surrounding the manager’s future as they continue their pursuit of major honours. The club’s wider contract strategy also includes new agreements for Rice, Odegaard, and Timber.
All three have become important components of Arteta’s team, and Arsenal want to protect the core of their squad while rewarding players who remain central to their long-term plans. Rice has established himself as a key presence in midfield since joining from West Ham, while Odegaard remains an important creative influence and leadership figure.
Timber, meanwhile, has developed into a versatile defensive option capable of operating across multiple positions. By advancing all four contracts together, Arsenal is protecting the core of Arteta’s team while maintaining stability throughout the campaign. With negotiations continuing positively, the Gunners are increasingly confident that the remaining details can be resolved in the coming weeks.