Arsenal are determined to secure manager Mikel Arteta’s long-term future, with co-owner Josh Kroenke publicly stating that a new contract for the Spanish boss is the club’s “utmost priority.” The declaration comes just days before the Gunners face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, a match that could define the club’s recent resurgence under Arteta.
Speaking ahead of the high-stakes encounter, Kroenke made it clear that the club’s hierarchy sees Arteta as central to their project. “Tying Mikel down to a new contract is an utmost priority for us,” Kroenke said, according to ESPN sources. “He has transformed the club, and we want to reward his efforts and ensure he remains here for years to come.” The American executive’s words underline the faith the ownership group has in the 42-year-old tactician, who has steered Arsenal from mid-table mediocrity back to the pinnacle of European football.
Arteta’s current deal, which runs until 2025, has been a topic of discussion for months, but the timing of Kroenke’s comments—on the eve of the biggest club fixture in world football—signals a desire to quash any speculation and provide stability. The manager himself has remained coy about his future, focusing purely on the task at hand, but those close to the club believe an agreement is imminent.
The Champions League final against PSG represents a golden opportunity for Arsenal to win Europe’s top prize for the first time. Arteta, a former Arsenal captain and FA Cup-winning manager, has already delivered multiple trophies domestically, but conquering the continent would cement his legacy. Kroenke’s public backing is a calculated move to boost morale and demonstrate that the club is building for sustained success, not just a one-off campaign.
Sources indicate that negotiations have been progressing smoothly, with only minor details to be ironed out. The new contract is expected to extend Arteta’s stay by at least three years, with a significant salary increase reflecting his status as one of the world’s elite managers. Kroenke and the board are keen to avoid a repeat of past mistakes, where key figures were allowed to enter the final year of their deals, creating uncertainty.
The announcement also serves as a message to the squad and potential transfer targets that Arsenal is a stable and ambitious destination. With young stars like Bukayo Saka and William Saliba tied to long-term deals, securing the manager reinforces the club’s upward trajectory. Fans have overwhelmingly backed Arteta, and the news will be met with relief and excitement as the final approaches.
As the team prepares for the clash in the stadium, the focus remains on the pitch, but the off-field business is just as crucial. A win over PSG would be the crowning achievement of Arteta’s project, and a new contract would be the perfect accompaniment. For now, all eyes are on the final, but the message from the top is unambiguous: Arteta is here to stay.
Based on reporting from ESPN.
