Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is expected to reach an agreement over a new contract soon, according to transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano.
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The Spanish tactician has worked wonders with the Gunners, turning them into serious Premier League title contenders again, while Champions League qualification is now a given again for the club after a long absence from the competition.
Even if major titles are yet to come for Arsenal, it feels inevitable that they’ll be a force in the years to come, and so fans will be delighted with the news that Arteta looks set to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, Romano explained that talks now look set to advance over Arteta’s stay at Arsenal, with everyone at the club very happy with him.
An agreement should come soon, according to the Italian journalist, who added that, despite links with Barcelona, the 42-year-old was never a candidate for the job there due to his commitment to his current employers.
Arteta Arsenal contract update will excite Gunners supporters
“Arsenal are prepared to enter into advanced conversations with Mikel Arteta and his representatives to extend his contract. Arsenal didn’t want to discuss it during the season, they were waiting for the end of the Premier League, but in private conversations they always made it clear that they wanted to extend his contract,” Romano said.
“Arsenal want Arteta to be one of the best paid managers in Europe, and to give him new power with the new contract.
“Despite links with Barcelona, he was never a candidate for the job because he’s super happy at Arsenal, convinced by the project, 100% involved in the planning for the future, and also Edu and all the directors are very happy with Arteta.
“Obviously they want to finally win titles, but credit to everyone involved because the way they are progressing is something very special.”
He added: “Everyone at Arsenal, including the players of course, is very happy with Arteta’s management style, and that’s why the expectation is to continue together, and to reach an agreement soon.”