Mikel Arteta signs four-year Arsenal contract and vows "this is only the beginning"
Mikel Arteta signed a new four-year contract with Arsenal on 7 October 2026, saying "this is only the beginning" of his time at the club. The deal will keep him at Arsenal until 2030 and extends his reign beyond a decade.
The contract includes a significant pay rise in recognition of Arsenal's title last season, which ended a 22-year wait after three successive runners-up finishes. Arteta, 44, took charge in December 2019, succeeding Unai Emery, and is now the Premier League's longest-serving manager after Pep Guardiola's departure from Manchester City. He also lost the Champions League final last season to Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout and previously served as captain under Arsène Wenger.
Arteta's previous deal was due to expire at the end of this season; the new agreement is understood to be worth about £10m a season plus a £5m bonus for reaching the Champions League. The contract will cement his status as one of the best-paid managers in the world, and his coaching staff have also signed extended deals.
“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,” said Arteta. “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.
“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.”
“It has been an incredible journey so far and we are excited for what lies ahead in this special relationship,” said Arsenal’s co-chairs, Stan and Josh Kroenke. “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 confirmed this week that they have shelved plans for a major expansion of the Emirates Stadium after Arteta is believed to have expressed concern over the disruption that would have been caused by any temporary move.
They face Leeds on Saturday. The match follows a surprise 3-0 defeat to Brighton before the international break that ended the champions' 100% start to the new campaign.