Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract with Arsenal, securing his position into a tenth year at the club after leading them to the Premier League title last season. The Spaniard has been given a significant salary increase, reflecting his rise into the top tier of managers.
The new deal marks the culmination of the "five-phase plan" that Arteta and then-technical director Edu Gaspar put together in 2019. From reshaping the squad to bringing in a different calibre of player, and ultimately claiming major silverware, the plan has been delivered on.
Contract confirmation and the five-phase plan
Arteta has been unusually open about his contract situation, telling Arsenal supporters they "don't have to worry". He said: "Whenever the time is right, we'll get that done. There is nothing to be concerned about." The club's official media team had even asked away supporters to talk about Arteta on camera in preparation for the announcement.
This is Arteta's third contract extension, and it comes with the clearest message yet: win, and win big. The culture in the squad has been set, and the relationship between players and fans has been rediscovered.
The next challenge: Champions League and beyond
Arteta's influence permeates the club, from who gets weekend custody of the club's dog Win to a full revamp of the medical department. Asked what he still wanted to achieve at Arsenal, Arteta said: "To build the best club in the world. That has to be without any question of a doubt what we have to do."
After reaching the semi-finals two seasons ago and the final last term, Arteta is desperate to lead Arsenal to their first Champions League title. The summer transfer window did not help him to the extent he had hoped, with Vinicius Jr and Julian Alvarez lined up but the allure of the Spanish superclubs proving too strong.
Building a dynasty for the future
The evolution of Arsenal in forward areas will have to come from Arteta and his coaches. The attack is the missing piece of the puzzle for Arsenal to become the complete team, as was emphasised in the defeat to Brighton.
After penning a deal that will take him to a decade in charge, Arteta might ponder the words of Sir Alex Ferguson: "When you are building a football club, you never know where you are going. It's a journey that never finishes." That journey continues for Arteta, who has no intention of reaching his finish line soon.
