Arsenal close to renewing Arteta's contract

Arsenal is about to give manager Mikel Arteta a new long-term contract. Talks have made good progress in the last few weeks.

BBC Sport reported on Thursday that the club is feeling confident Arteta will stay at the Emirates Stadium. His current contract has just nine months left.

Arteta has shown he wants to stay, saying he is happy in north London. "Everybody feels comfortable that the timing of the contract is not going to be an issue because my will certainly is to be here and I’m very happy here," Arteta stated.

He added, "My feeling from the club is the same one. That’s why everyone is doing things in a very organic way."

Arsenal's chief executive Richard Garlick has eased worries about the contract delay. He called the agreement a "matter of time."

Once the new deal is signed, Arteta is likely to be among the highest-paid managers in football. Arsenal plans to improve his current deal, which is about £10 million a year, with an extra £5 million available if the team qualifies for the Champions League.

Since Arteta took charge in December 2019, he has changed Arsenal into one of England’s top teams. His impact goes beyond coaching. He is key in the club’s football strategy and player recruitment.

Arteta’s support is vital for Arsenal as they look to sign top players. The club's owners are backing his long-term plans.