Arteta to discuss Arsenal contract extension after transfer window closes

Mikel Arteta plans to enter contract negotiations with Arsenal once the transfer window shuts next week. The 42-year-old manager, whose current deal with the Gunners expires at the end of the season, expressed his eagerness to extend his tenure in North London ahead of their Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Arteta explained, “The focus has been on the transfer window. We had quite a lot of things to do and discuss. We are on it and we will take care of that in the right moment.” When asked if talks would begin after the window closes, Arteta confirmed, “Yeah.”

Reflecting on his time at Arsenal, Arteta said, “I am very grateful first of all for where I’m sitting and the people I work with every single day because it’s really difficult to find that harmony, trust, belief, and alignment in the vision. It’s very exciting and I am very excited about it.”

While Arteta is concentrating on strengthening Arsenal’s squad, he declined to comment on the reported £32 million move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, stating, “I cannot talk about any player that’s not with us.”

As the transfer deadline approaches on August 30, Arteta remains prepared for potential surprises, though he confirmed that striker Eddie Nketiah is expected to be part of the squad for the Aston Villa match despite interest from Nottingham Forest.

(Source: AFP)