Arteta insists he wants to remain Arsenal manager despite no new deal
Mikel Arteta reassured Arsenal supporters on August 15, 2026 that he intends to remain as the club's manager despite not having signed a new contract, saying fans need not worry ahead of the Community Shield. His current deal runs until 2027 and talks over fresh terms have been taking place since earlier this year.
Arteta signed his previous extension in September 2024 and confirmed negotiations over another agreement have been ongoing since earlier this year; he said other priorities at the club have meant there has been no urgency to complete the process. "There is always another priority, I think!" he said. He added that everyone at the club is comfortable with the situation and that the matter has been handled alongside the club's other work rather than as an immediate issue.
Addressing supporters directly, Arteta said: "The fans don't have to worry about any of that, because I want to be here. I am extremely happy. I feel very grateful to work with the people that I work with and when we have the possibility, we will resolve that. And that's it," Arteta said. He also said the club shares his desire for him to remain, leaving little reason for either side to rush negotiations.
Arteta has been in charge at Arsenal since December 2019 and, following Pep Guardiola's departure from Manchester City, is now the longest-serving manager among the 92 clubs in the English Football League. He reflected on the difficulty of finally winning the Premier League after three consecutive second-place finishes behind Manchester City and acknowledged that attempting to overtake Guardiola's side was a major test because of City's established strength and stability.
Recalling his early assessment of the club's position, Arteta said: "When I arrived here, I had a sense in terms of distance and years how far we were behind," and added, "And to be able to win it in the time that we've done it, I think we should feel proud of it." Arsenal now begin their title defence with the chance to retain the Premier League for the first time in almost 90 years.
They face Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday before opening their league campaign against Coventry City next Friday. Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi are expected to return to the squad for the Community Shield.
"My will, certainly, is to be here and I am very happy here. My feeling from the club is the same one. That is why everyone is doing things in a really organic way."
