Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract with Arsenal, taking his time at the club beyond a decade. The Spaniard's previous deal was set to expire at the end of this season, though he and the club have been relaxed about the situation.
Both sides were confident that an agreement would be reached and a three-week international break has provided the time to finalise the fresh terms and make it official. Arteta has put pen to paper on a four-year deal, with Arsenal always clear that they wanted to keep their manager.
Significant pay rise included
It is understood that the contract extension includes a significant pay rise for Arteta, who was previously on around £10million a season plus £5m in bonuses.
Arteta said: “It's a privilege to commit my future to the club and to continue to work with exceptional people who want the best for Arsenal. This club is unique, its character and the way it makes you feel, and I have a great sense of privilege that our journey together will continue.
“We have already built a special bond and created memories that will last a lifetime, and what is so exciting is that this is only the beginning of what we can achieve together. I'm extremely grateful to Stan and Josh for their trust and support, and feel honoured to be leading this club through such a special period in its 140-year history.
“This is such a proud moment for me and my family. I feel the love and respect from our fantastic supporters, and they have mine – and ours – in return.”
Longest-serving manager in the top four divisions
The 44-year-old is the longest-serving manager in England's top four divisions. He took charge at Arsenal in December 2019 for what was his first managerial job.
Arteta has transformed Arsenal from a side struggling to secure any European football to one that last season ended the 22-year wait for a Premier League title.
He has also overseen huge improvements in the Champions League. Arsenal reached the semi-finals two seasons ago and then last term made the final of the competition for only the second time, losing to Paris Saint-Germain.
