Mikel Arteta makes ‘exciting’ promise after signing new Arsenal contract

Mikel Arteta has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal to stay at the club until the summer of 2030.

Arteta recovered from a shaky start to his tenure as Arsenal boss to lead the Gunners to the Premier League title last season.

As well as lifting the Premier League trophy for the first time since 2004, Arsenal also reached the Champions League final, where they suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to PSG.

Arteta was appointed as Arsenal’s ‘head coach’ in December 2019 but his new contract sees him become the club’s ‘manager’.

‘The new agreement reflects our shared belief that the progress we’ve made and last season’s success is the beginning of a special period in our history,’ Arsenal said in a statement.

‘Mikel became our seventh title-winning manager last season as we were crowned champions for the 14th time. It was our fourth Premier League title and our first in 22 years.

‘Together, we remain focused on building on that success, competing for major trophies in a sustainable way and continuing to strengthen the deep bond between the club and our supporters.’

Ex-Gunners midfielder Arteta has taken charge of 361 matches since returning to Arsenal, with his win percentage of 62% the best of any full-time manager in the club’s history.

Despite leading Arsenal to a long-awaited Premier League title, Arteta insists ‘this is only the beginning of what we can achieve together’.

‘It’s a privilege to commit my future to the club and to continue to work with exceptional people who want the best for Arsenal,’ Arteta said.

‘This club is unique, its character and the way it makes you feel, and I have a great sense of privilege that our journey together will continue.

‘We have already built a special bond and created memories that will last a lifetime, and what is so exciting is that this is only the beginning of what we can achieve together.

‘I’m extremely grateful to Stan and Josh for their trust and support, and feel honoured to be leading this club through such a special period in its 140-year history.

‘This is such a proud moment for me and my family. I feel the love and respect from our fantastic supporters, and they have mine – and ours – in return.’

Meanwhile, Arsenal co-chairs Stan and Josh Kroenke released a joint-statement praising Arteta and looking ahead to the future.

‘It has been an incredible journey so far and we are excited for what lies ahead in this special relationship,’ they said.

‘Last season was an incredible moment in Arsenal’s history, a moment in which we created memories that will last a lifetime. We’re determined to create many more in the years ahead. 

‘We share a special bond with Mikel. We are so proud of everything we have achieved since he returned to the club in 2019.

‘He has a deep understanding of Arsenal’s values and carries them in his heart. He knows what this club means to everyone connected to it and is committed to building on everything we have achieved together.’

Arsenal won their first seven games of the season, including the Community Shield against Manchester City, before a shock 3-0 defeat to Brighton before the international break.

The Premier League champions return to action on Saturday with a home match against Leeds United, who are fifth after a surprisingly strong start to the campaign.

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