Mikel Arteta is set to engage in discussions with Arsenal regarding a contract extension after the current transfer window closes next week. The Arsenal manager’s existing contract is due to expire at the end of this season, and the Spaniard is keen to continue his tenure in north London. Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League match against Aston Villa on Saturday, the 42-year-old expressed his intention to resolve his future once the club’s transfer dealings are finalised.
“The focus has been on the transfer window. We had quite a lot of things to do and discuss. We are on it and we will take care of that in the right moment,” Arteta said during a press conference on Friday.
When asked if negotiations would commence after the transfer window shuts, Arteta confirmed: “Yeah.”
He added, “I am very grateful, first of all, for where I’m sitting and the people I work with every single day because it’s really difficult to find that harmony, trust, belief and alignment in the vision. It’s something I always mention because I believe we still have an unbelievable time ahead of us. It’s very exciting and I am very excited about it.”
Arteta remains focused on strengthening Arsenal’s squad before turning his attention to his own contract situation. However, he declined to comment on reports linking Arsenal with a £32 million move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
Regarding the potential transfer, Arteta stated: “I cannot talk about any player that’s not with us. There’s still time in the market. Both ways. For all the managers, for all the teams here. You can see it’s getting very busy. The full focus is on the players that we have at the moment, the big match we have at Aston Villa and that’s all.”
Arteta also acknowledged the possibility of unexpected developments during the final week of the transfer window, which closes on 30 August. Despite speculation about striker Eddie Nketiah’s potential move to Nottingham Forest, Arteta confirmed that Nketiah would be involved in the match against Aston Villa.
“I expect Eddie to train with us today. To be prepared for tomorrow. That’s it. Whatever happens will happen if it’s good for everybody,” Arteta remarked.
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Additionally, there is speculation surrounding Raheem Sterling’s potential move to Arsenal after the 29-year-old was omitted from Chelsea’s opening Premier League game of the season against Manchester City. Sterling, who was also left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad, previously worked with Arteta during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.
Reflecting on his time with Sterling, Arteta said, “I can talk about my time with Raheem. It was exceptional. We built a really strong relationship together. He was unbelievable at the time we were together and he taught me a lot as well. About individuals, how they play and how we give them support and help them. He’s someone I have a really strong feeling about.”
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