Mikel Arteta is already the longest-serving manager in the Premier League. His new deal will take him beyond ten years in charge, surpassing Jurgen Klopp's tenure at Liverpool and Pep Guardiola's decade at Manchester City.
However, it is impossible to believe he will ever get close to the 20-plus years that both Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson had at Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.
Arteta's Last Deal at Arsenal?
John Cross believes this could be Arteta's last contract at Arsenal. Over ten years would be some achievement. The reason is that the manager's job has changed so much; it is so demanding and gruelling that it breaks lesser mortals.
Arteta is defying sleep, logic and reason. Endless meetings, demands and planning fill his diary to the minute. Every department of the club wants a piece of him. The job is utterly draining, and Cross suggests Arsenal should savour every minute he is in charge.
Remarkable Job Since 2019
Arteta took charge in December 2019, inheriting a club dear to his heart but in an absolute mess. The job he has done has been remarkable. Cross says the biggest achievement, before the first title in 22 years, is reconnecting with the fan base, who had become disillusioned and unhappy.
Now, Arsenal fans are connected and engaged, even singing 'North London Forever'. Last week's City verdict showed the scale of the job Arteta and others, like Klopp, have done to compete. Arteta will face questions over his time at City, but his crowning glory is the first title in 22 years, rebuilding a fractured squad and broken club into champions.
Champions League Ambition
Another reason this may be Arteta's last contract is his desire to win the Champions League. He was gutted after losing the final, and it haunted him all summer. He wants to go back and win it more than anything.
After his first title push, Arteta questioned whether he could stay and complete the job. PSG were keen, but he stayed to finish it. Cross is convinced Arteta can win the Champions League within his next contract.
