Arsenal are yet to open talks with Mikel Arteta over a contract extension, and he’s now passed the midway point in his deal.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal looks on following defeat in the Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park on December 06, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal looks on following defeat in the Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park on December 06, 2021. (Photo by Naomi Baker / Getty Images)

Speaking in his press conference on Friday, Mikel Arteta told the media he hasn’t had any talks over his contract as Arsenal manager.

The 39-year-old insisted that Arsenal have other things to focus on, and he hasn’t spoken to the club hierarchy over his deal.

“No, we haven’t discussed anything like that,” Arteta said. “I think we have many other priorities at the moment that are far more important than that.

“I don’t know (if it will be at the end of the season), really I’m not thinking about that. I’m just trying to get the best out of the team, trying to cope with all the situations that we are facing at the moment.”

As it stands, that means Arteta has just over 18 months left with the club, and he’s just a few days away from completing two years in charge.

Even if he says he doesn’t know, you’d imagine any decision on Arteta’s future will be made after this campaign ends.

Arsenal really do need to start showing some progress, at least against the last couple of eighth-place finishes. Realistically, with the table set up as it is, they should be making a push for the Champions League, as well as a cup run.

It’s not going to be an easy task, with Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea so far out ahead that there’s essentially only one spot up for grabs.

Arsenal may be in the top four as it stands, but Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur only need to win their games in hand to change that.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal reacts after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on December 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal reacts after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on December 11, 2021. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

All the same, the table is tight enough for Arsenal to at least make a push for that top-four spot.

If they somehow do manage top-four and a trophy, you’d imagine an extension for Arteta will definitely be in the works. Otherwise, his future will be much more up for discussion.