Arsenal are set to open contract talks with Mikel Arteta this summer, Sky Sports reported on Thursday morning, as the club look to tie down their head coach before a transfer window in which they intend to invest heavily in the forward line and central midfield.T2, Sky Sports
Arteta’s current deal runs until 2027, but Arsenal’s hierarchy view a new agreement as a statement of long-term intent before what is internally considered a critical juncture for the project. The club believe securing Arteta’s future will also strengthen their position in negotiations with prospective signings, signalling stability to targets and agents alike.T2, Sky Sports
The contract discussions are understood to be part of a broader summer agenda that includes two priority acquisitions. Arsenal have held preliminary talks over a move for a centre-forward, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko among the names under consideration, The Athletic reported last week.T2, The Athletic In midfield, the club are monitoring Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi, though Liverpool retain an interest in the Spain international and no formal bid has been lodged from either side.T2, David Ornstein, The Athletic
Edu, Arsenal’s sporting director, is leading the recruitment framework, with Arteta fully integrated into the targeting process. The club’s summer budget is understood to be substantial, underpinned by consecutive second-place Premier League finishes and the revenue uplift from Champions League progression to the quarter-finals last season.
Arteta, 42, has led Arsenal to 85 points in two of the last three Premier League campaigns and won the FA Cup in 2020, his first season in charge. The Spaniard has repeatedly spoken publicly about his commitment to the project but has not yet committed to the terms on the table.
No timeline has been set for the talks to conclude, Sky Sports added. Arsenal’s summer business is expected to accelerate once the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules deadline passes at the end of June, with Arteta’s signature viewed internally as the starting gun for a window the club believe can close the gap to Manchester City.
