Arsenal Move To Tie Down Mikel Arteta With Big Pay

Arsenal are on the verge of securing manager Mikel Arteta on a new long-term contract, with talks progressing positively over an extension that would keep the Spaniard at the Emirates beyond next season.

Arteta’s current deal runs until the end of the 2026/27 campaign, but discussions over fresh terms have already begun. While no agreement is expected before the 44-year-old returns from his summer break, there is growing confidence within the club that an extension is only a matter of time.

The proposed deal is understood to be a new three-year contract and would come with a significant pay rise. Arteta currently earns around £10 million per season, with additional bonuses linked to Champions League qualification.

The new terms would place him among the highest-paid managers in English football and potentially at the top of the earnings list following Pep Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City. Guardiola’s contract was reportedly worth at least £20 million annually, with Arteta’s new package expected to move considerably closer to that figure.

The contract talks come as Arsenal prepare for a major squad overhaul ahead of the 2026/27 season. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says the Premier League champions are already laying the groundwork for a busy summer in the transfer market.

Despite falling short in the UEFA Champions League final after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal ended the campaign on a high by lifting their first Premier League title in 22 years under Arteta.

Attention has now shifted to strengthening the squad as the Gunners look to defend their domestic crown and mount another serious challenge in Europe.

There had been speculation that Arsenal would need to balance spending with player sales, but journalist David Ornstein believes the club remain in a strong financial position to invest heavily.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Ornstein outlined several areas Arsenal are keen to reinforce.

“The number nine position is interesting. A penny for the thoughts of Victor Gyokeres tonight, his first season, and he helped them to this final and then was put on the bench,” he said.

“Then the left-sided attack is a big priority for them, and they’ve been looking at it for a few years, and I think this may be the summer where they really go for something. They’ve got the options there.”

He added: “They want a six/eight midfielder. They want to strengthen at right-back as well.

“So when you tally up what they’ve got to do, you could see that outlay in the market from last summer repeated or even exceeded.”

Romano later revealed that Arsenal have already stepped up their recruitment plans.

“Arsenal have already started working and planning for summer signings,” Romano wrote on 𝕏.

“At least three signings are expected, could be even more based on exits.

“Top winger the priority; midfielder and right back also almost guaranteed. Striker’s situation to follow.”

Reports also suggest Arsenal are targeting at least four new arrivals as Arteta reshapes his squad. Several long-serving players could depart the Emirates Stadium during the window.