Mikel Arteta has reassured fans there’s no need to worry about his future at Arsenal. He says he wants to stay, is happy at the club, and that the time remaining on his contract isn’t a concern. Now into the final year of the deal he signed in 2024, Arteta added he’s relaxed about when formal extension talks take place.
In charge since 2019, Arteta guided Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years last season. Ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield against Manchester City (15:00 BST), he was asked about supporter anxiety over his contract situation before the 2026-27 campaign. Arteta stressed he’s grateful for the people he works with and expects the situation to be resolved when the moment is right.
Arsenal are looking to build on last season by strengthening the squad. While they were unable to land Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, they have brought in Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle, Greece winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, and converted Piero Hincapie’s loan from Bayer Leverkusen into a permanent move, for a combined £143.5m. Goalkeeper Illan Meslier has also joined on a free from Leeds United. Departures from last season’s group include Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior, and Christian Norgaard.
Following injuries to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, the club remains interested in adding another defender, with Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah of Bayer Leverkusen among targets. With the transfer window open until 1 September, the sense inside the club is that Arteta’s contract can be finalised during a calmer spell in the season. Arteta noted there are always other priorities, everyone is comfortable with the timeline, and both he and the club want him to remain in place, so the process is unfolding naturally.
Arsenal also reached the Champions League final last season, losing to Paris St-Germain, and Arteta has repeatedly said he wants to push the team to the next level. He declined to discuss individual players but underlined the club’s ambition to keep improving and evolving the squad, having identified areas to strengthen.