ARSENAL fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief.
Mikel Arteta is here to stay, for now at least.
The Spaniard has committed his future to the Gunners by penning a new three-year deal that will keep him in North London until 2027 and make him one of the highest-paid managers in England.
He said: “I feel extremely proud, very excited and am looking forward to what is coming next. I’m proud to be where I am and have the relationships that I have with everyone at the club.
“I feel extremely lucky to work every single day with good people and the ambition we have here. I feel very inspired, I feel challenged, I feel supported and I want to do much more than what we’ve already done together.”
It is a statement of intent from sporting director Edu Gaspar and Co, with several clubs allegedly having considered poaching Arteta.
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Reports in Spain earlier this year claimed the 42-year-old was Barcelona’s top managerial target following the announcement of Xavi’s departure.
They also suggested he was planning to LEAVE before the end of his contract.
However, Arteta swiftly put the rumours to bed and insisted he still has “a lot to do” at Arsenal.
In other words, he is determined to win the Premier League.
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The Gunners have come agonisingly close to lifting the trophy twice in the last two years.
They ended the 2023-24 campaign just two points adrift of champions Manchester City following a dramatic final day.
And it was a similar story the previous season.
But Arteta has gradually built one of the best squads in Europe and established himself as a top coach.
He now wants the accolades to match.
Should he add to Arsenal’s trophy cabinet in the next three years, whether that be a Premier League trophy or even the Champions League gong, the Spaniard could see that as his job done.
He came to the Emirates Stadium following a disastrous term under Unai Emery and, although it took some time, transformed the Gunners back into formidable challengers.
But if he manages to achieve everything he initially set out to, what’s to stop him moving on?
Although he dismissed rumours linking him to Barcelona, Arteta has admitted he would love to manage in Spain – his home country – one day.
Back in May, he said: “I have always thought that one day I will return.
“My home draws me a lot, our way of living, of getting together, the culture – and that means I always have it in my head.
“But I am happy here, happy with how they treat me, and I really enjoy my job.
“Someday I suppose it will come, I’m not going to be away for my whole life.”
If he is able to maintain his impressive record, it would be no surprise to see the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid attempt to lure him back to Spain.
A return to Manchester City may even be on the cards, even though that would be a nightmare scenario for Arsenal fans.
It would be the perfect example of the master passing the baton over to his apprentice.
Arteta spent three years as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad, winning two Premier League titles.
With the 53-year-old’s City contract running down and concerns over his next move arising, Arteta could emerge as a strong target.
After all, he would more than likely have Pep’s blessing.
But on the other end of the spectrum, there is the risk – however small it may seem right now – that he perhaps outstays his welcome at the Emirates if things start to head south.
Although he made history during his time at Arsenal by becoming the first – and only – manager to lead a team through a Premier League season undefeated, Arsene Wenger found himself almost forced out by the end of his 22-year tenure.
The Gunners struggled to compete with their rivals in his last few seasons at the club, sparking a huge divide among fans.
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When Arteta does eventually step away, he will likely want to do it at the right time – especially if a lucrative offer comes in.
Whether that be in 2027 or the years that follow, Edu may want to start earmarking future candidates now.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
