Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is all set to pen a new deal with the North London club after snubbing a move to Saudi Arabia.
Mikel Arteta is closing in on a new long-term contract with Arsenal after turning down interest from Saudi Arabia and making it clear that he wants to continue his project at the Emirates.
According to TEAMtalk, the Spaniard is preparing to put pen to paper on fresh terms with the Gunners, who regard their head coach as one of the best managers in world football.
Talks over an extension have progressed positively for several months, with all parties now confident an agreement is close. Arteta, 44, has been in charge of Arsenal since 2019 and has consistently shown a commitment to the North London club despite interest from elsewhere.
That stance was tested during the summer when Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr both made contact to assess his availability. The two clubs sought new managers after Sergio Conceicao’s departure from Al-Ittihad and Jorge Jesus from Al-Nassr.
However, Arteta quickly made his position clear, with sources indicating that he had no intention of leaving the Gunners and instead wanted to extend his stay. The Spaniard’s decision represents a major boost for the North London club, who see Arteta as central to their long-term ambitions.
Mikel Arteta has taken Arsenal places
The Spanish tactician’s continued commitment comes after a transformative period at the club. He has overseen 357 matches, averaging more than two points per game, and restored Arsenal to a leading position in English and European football.
The biggest reward arrived last season when Arteta ended Arsenal’s long wait for the Premier League title, and his side also reached the UEFA Champions League final, underlining the progress made since he took over in 2019.
Arsenal have carried that momentum into the new campaign, winning all five of their matches so far. The strong start has further strengthened the belief that Arteta is the right man to lead the club’s next phase. His new agreement is also expected to provide continuity as Arsenal work to secure the futures of several key players.
With Arteta rejecting the opportunity to leave for Saudi Arabia, Arsenal are close to announcing a long-term commitment from the manager who has restored the club to the summit of English football.