Arteta agrees improved contract to remain as Arsenal manager

Mikel Arteta has agreed an improved new contract with Premier League champions Arsenal, BBC Sport reported on 22 September 2026. The Spaniard's existing deal was due to expire at the end of this season and negotiations have been ongoing for several months.

Arteta was appointed Arsenal boss in December 2019 and discussions over his future intensified because of that impending contract expiry. BBC Sport said earlier this month that an agreement between all parties was close, and it is now understood he has reached a final deal with the Gunners. There is no confirmation over the length of the new contract, but it is set to take him into at least his 10th year at the club following his arrival in December 2019.

The new agreement will include a sharp pay increase from his current salary of £10m per year plus an additional £5m in bonuses. Those terms represent an improvement on his existing package, according to the report.

Speaking about his contract talks, Arteta said last week: "They [the fans] don't have to worry about any of that because I want to be here. I'm extremely happy and I feel very grateful to work with the people I work with."

The article states that dynasty building is what has driven Arteta's decision, with last season's Premier League title — Arsenal's first in 20 years — described as only the beginning. It adds that coming within a penalty kick of winning their first Champions League trophy was "a gut-wrenching blow - but also a huge motivation."

The report says there was never a sense Arteta was preparing to walk away from the side he has assembled and that, with a deal now agreed, the foundation of Arsenal's recent revitalisation remains in place. The club's management and supporters have been kept informed during the talks, according to the coverage.

Does more history beckon? Arteta is committed to finding out.