Mikel Arteta 'in advanced talks with Arsenal over contract extension'

Arsenal are reportedly in advanced talks with manager Mikel Arteta over a new long-term contract.

The 42-year-old was appointed Gunners boss in December 2019 after just over three years working as an assistant coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Arteta won the FA Cup in his first season at Arsenal and has since transformed the club into one of the strongest teams in the Premier League that have mounted a serious challenge for the title in the last two campaigns.

After finishing second and five points behind champions Man City in 2022-23, Arsenal took an enthralling title race to the final day of the 2023-24 season, but they once again came up short and finished two points behind the Citizens at the summit.

Nevertheless, the progress made under Arteta is evident since the Spaniard's arrival, and Arsenal seemingly have plans to keep hold of their head coach for the long term.

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Arteta holds positive talks over new Arsenal deal

According to Football Insider, Arteta is in advanced talks with Arsenal's hierarchy over a new long-term contract at the club.

The report adds that ongoing negotiations between both parties are 'progressing nicely', with both the manager and club happy to continue together as they endeavour to bring the Premier League title back to the Emirates Stadium for the first time since 2004.

It is thought that club chiefs at Arsenal are 'desperate' to tie Arteta down to a new deal in an attempt to fend off interest from top European clubs.

Arteta signed a new three-year deal with Arsenal in May 2022 and his current deal is due to expire in the summer of 2025.

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The reported progress made in contract negotiations comes just a month after Arteta played down speculation over penning a new deal any time soon.

"No, nothing. I am really happy. I still have a year on my contract, that's a long time in football," Arteta told reporters when quizzed about his future.

"The players are happy, the club is happy, no issues. I'm just focusing on the games and winning football matches and that's the most important thing right now."

Arteta, who was linked with a potential move to Barcelona earlier this year, has managed a total of 231 games in charge of Arsenal, winning 140, drawing 34 and losing 57.