Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract with Arsenal which takes him through until 2030. Securing his future as manager of Premier League champions.
Arteta’s existing agreement would have expired in the summer. This extension ensures there is no question mark over who will take charge of the Gunners’ next chapter. Arteta, who took over in December 2019, said the journey was “only the beginning”.
A reward fit for one of Europe’s elite
New terms which take into account that he will be among the continent’s elite coaches. We understand his basic pay has been raised by £10m-a-year, with an additional £5m potentially coming through bonuses.
In discussions about remuneration, Moyes has cited both Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone and Pep Guardiola, whose £20m+ earnings at Manchester City represent another world when compared to current Premier League figures.
Glory and heartbreak define the Arteta era
Since becoming head coach four years ago, Arteta, 44, has helped transform Arsenal, once languishing in mid-table, into the benchmark of English football.
With the FA Cup and a Premier League title among his honours, the Gunners’ victory over Manchester City in May’s finale marked their first league win in 20 years at the Emirates Stadium.
However, while those successes are rightly celebrated, few will forget last year’s agonising exit from the Champions League final. They were defeated by Paris St-Germain when they fancied themselves strong favourites.
Although that defeat stings more than most, there can be no doubting how far this squad has come under Arteta’s guidance.
“A great sense of privilege”
Arteta spoke fondly about his home for almost seven years. He said that Arsenal is a unique team whose character influences everybody connected with it and said he feels lucky to keep working there.
He added that he and his club have established a good connection already and made many memories that he hopes to keep for his whole life.
The club’s owners praised Arteta’s understanding of Arsenal’s values and commitment to further development without actually saying much.
Stability as the foundation for a dynasty
Very few were taken by surprise by the news. Arteta was open in discussing his desire to remain with the club after this season. The expiring contract added very little pressure to negotiations. He has never looked like a coach that is about to leave the team that he has been working so hard with.
For Arsenal, the transfer is not only about winning trophies but also about having the same management. The team will still have the same coach. The same approach and the same motivation.
After finally winning a league title after twenty years of waiting, Arsenal now wants to turn it into a streak of success.
