Mikel Arteta‘s impressive transformation of Arsenal seems set to be rewarded with a substantial pay rise.

Exclusive reports from FootballTransfers state the club is negotiating a new three-year contract for their manager, accompanied by a salary raise that will significantly increase his current £9.5 million-a-year deal.

Arteta’s imminent pay rise comes as no surprise. The Spaniard has revitalised Arsenal, guiding them to the FA Cup, returning them to the Champions League, and establishing The Gunners as genuine title contenders. His results on the pitch naturally command top-tier compensation within the Premier League.

To put things into perspective, Arteta’s reported new salary should elevate him above rivals like Chelsea’s Mauricio Pochettino, who currently earns £10.4m-a-year, and place him on a more even footing with top-earning managers in the league, Jurgen Klopp (£15m) and Pep Guardiola (£20m).

News of Arteta’s likely pay rise comes at a pivotal moment for Arsenal. “Sources indicate that Arteta has been playing down his personal situation and the prospect of signing a new deal because he does not want the focus around him and not the team, which is in hot pursuit of the Premier League title once again,” write FootballTransfers.

Securing Arteta’s future amidst their title race could provide players with an additional motivating factor. It highlights the club’s confidence in the manager and its faith in the “Arteta project” but I suspect any new deal will not be announced (or even agreed) before the summer when the pressure of the season is off.