Mikel Arteta gives update on Arsenal contract situation amid recent Barcelona interest
Arsenal have been proactive in handing out long-term contract extensions to key players, but Mikel Arteta is yet to sign fresh terms.
Arteta’s contract expires in 2025, and whilst Arsenal are confident that they will reach an agreement to extend his deal, until pen is put to paper there will always be a bit of uncertainty.
There were rumours linking Arteta with his former club Barcelona, with Xavi Hernandez leaving the Camp Nou in the summer, but he strongly denied the speculation.
The Spaniard has now spoken about his contract situation to quell any fears of an uncertain future, given the remarkable job he has done so far.
Mikel Arteta opens up on Arsenal contract situation
Speaking in a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Luton Town, Arteta claimed that he is calm about his situation.
“No, nothing. I am really happy. I still have a year in my contract, that’s a long time in football. The players are happy, the club is happy, no issues,” he stated when asked about any concerns over his contract.
“I’m just focusing on the games and winning football matches and that’s the most important thing right now.”
Arsenal will aim to keep Mikel Arteta for the long-term
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The interest from Barcelona is seemingly serious, and Arsenal have been in dialogue with Arteta over a new deal since the start of the season.
Whilst there may be little concern about him extending, the key plan will be to keep Arteta for the foreseeable future.
Arteta’s tenure at the club so far has seen him embark on a long-term project to fix the mess left by Unai Emery, and he has transformed an ageing, mid-table quality squad into a young one competing at the highest level.
READ MORE: All Mikel Arteta signings at Arsenal ranked from worst to best
The former midfielder’s next step will be adding consistency and silverware to this Arsenal side. The Gunners fell short in the title race last season, and face a tough battle domestically and in Europe to win now, but they will be well set for the coming seasons.
The likes of Declan Rice, William Saliba and Bukayo Saka have been tied down to long-term contracts, and Arsenal look set for a productive summer in the transfer window to help them go one step further to win major trophies.
