Arsenal announced on Thursday that Mikel Arteta has signed a new three-year contract to continue as manager of the team.
The story was first broken by ESPN earlier on Thursday. According to insiders, Arteta, 42, of Spain, will be paid far more than his current £9 million ($11.7 million) compensation annually.
Arteta’s contract was set to expire the next summer, but in an exclusive interview with ESPN on July 4, he stated that he did not “anticipate any complications developing” during negotiations for an extension and that all sides would handle the matter after the transfer window closed last month.
“I am thrilled and incredibly proud of myself, and I am eager to see what comes next. In a statement, Arteta stated, “I am happy of where I am in life and the relationships I have with everyone at the club.
“I consider myself really fortunate to work with wonderful people every day and to have the goals we do here.” I am filled with inspiration, challenge, support, and a strong desire to go beyond our current collaborative endeavors.”
Even though Arsenal has always been certain that Arteta will pledge his future to the team, the announcement will undoubtedly encourage them as they look to defeat Manchester City and capture their first Premier League championship since 2004.
In an attempt to narrow the gap with the late loan arrival of Raheem Sterling from Chelsea, along with the addition of Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino throughout the summer, Arsenal has finished second to City in each of the last two seasons.
According to sources who spoke with ESPN, Arteta was a major factor in persuading those players to sign with the team, demonstrating how essential he has grown to be to Arsenal’s success.
“We are excited for the upcoming years with our supporters, who have emotionally altered the club and the team, along with the players and everyone at the club,” Arteta remarked. “People who have supported us have changed us, and we are now different. You can tell that we are not the same, and in my opinion, it is because of them. We are eager to travel together in the future.”
“Mikel is a vibrant and passionate manager who is unrelenting in his quest of excellence,” said Josh Kroenke, co-chairman of Arsenal. Since taking over as head coach in December 2019, he has elevated the team to a new level in a very Arsenalian manner. He possesses a profound knowledge of Arsenal’s core values.”
With Declan Rice suspended, Martin Ødegaard injured, and Merino already ruled out due to a fractured shoulder, Arsenal will have serious midfield issues when they play Tottenham on Sunday.
After suffering an ankle injury while playing for Norway internationally, Odegaard was seen traveling back to London on crutches. Sources tell ESPN that he is expected to miss Sunday’s match and may need to spend more time on the sidelines.
Odegaard had not broken any bones, according to doctor Ola Sand of Norway, who also said to the Norwegian daily VG that “such ankle injuries frequently take at least three weeks.” Anything different from that is simply
