Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has expressed his desire to extend his contract with the club once the summer transfer window closes next week. Arteta’s current deal expires at the end of the season, and he is eager to continue his tenure in North London.
Ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League match against Aston Villa on Saturday, Arteta revealed that discussions regarding his future will take place after the club’s transfer business is concluded. “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 told reporters.
When asked if talks would occur after the transfer window shuts, Arteta replied affirmatively. He expressed his gratitude for the support and harmony within the club, stating, “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.”
Arteta emphasized his excitement about the future of Arsenal, saying, “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.”
While Arteta is focused on strengthening Arsenal’s squad before discussing his own future, he declined to comment on reports linking the club with a £32 million move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. “I cannot talk about any player that’s not with us. There’s still time in the market,” Arteta said.
The Arsenal manager acknowledged that the final week of the transfer window could bring surprises, but he confirmed that striker Eddie Nketiah would be involved against Aston Villa despite interest from Nottingham Forest. “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 said.
There is also speculation about a potential move for Raheem Sterling to Arsenal after the 29-year-old was left out of Chelsea’s opening Premier League game of the season against Manchester City. Sterling, who was also omitted from England’s Euro 2024 squad, worked with Arteta at Manchester City when the Arsenal boss served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant.
“I can talk about my time with Raheem. It was exceptional. We built a really strong relationship together,” Arteta said. “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.”
