Arsenal close to finalising new contract for Arteta

Arsenal appears close to finalising a new long-term contract with manager Mikel Arteta, as sources confirm recent progress in contract negotiations. The Spaniard's commitment to staying at the club is evident, as he stated, "Everybody feels comfortable that the timing of the contract is not going to be an issue because my will certainly is to be here and I'm very happy here."

Arsenal's chief executive Richard Garlick also expressed confidence, stating it was merely a "matter of time" before the deal is confirmed. Arteta, currently the longest-serving manager in English football, has transformed Arsenal into a Premier League champion after a Champions League-less tenure. His influence within the club is significant, with his approval needed for major first-team decisions.

Arteta's new contract would make him one of the best-paid managers in world football, with Arsenal having committed to significantly improving on his current £10m a season deal plus an additional £5m upon Champions League qualification. The club's American owners have shown willingness to spend heavily on elite talent, as evidenced by recent signings Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa, despite failed pursuits of Vinicius Jr and Alvarez.

Arteta's six-year tenure at the club makes him the longest-serving manager in the Premier League, and his new deal aims to extend his stay even further, bringing him closer to a decade in north London.