Mikel Arteta has officially signed a new three-year contract with Arsenal, which will see him remain at the club until 2027.

The new deal guarantees him at least £10 million a year, an increase from his previous contract, which paid him £9 million annually excluding bonuses.

Arteta’s new £30m contract Gary Jacob Mikel Arteta has signed a new threeyear contract that will keep him as Arsenal manager until 2027 and pay him at least £10 million a year. Arteta, 42, had one year remaining on his present contract, which was worth about £9 million a year excluding bonuses. He will earn a significantly higher basic salary in his new deal, which was due to be negotiated in July but was finalised after the transfer window closed. It will be a boost to the club before Sunday’s derby at Tottenham Hotspur when they will be without several midfielders through injury and suspension. Arteta achieved part of his aim in the transfer window, moving closer to having a squad of 20 quality players in addition to goalkeepers while also offloading some fringe players.
Artet’s new £30m contract – The Times, Friday 13 September 2024

While the deal marks a clear vote of confidence in Arteta’s leadership, it falls short of earlier speculation suggesting his salary would rival the Premier League’s highest-paid managers.

Initial reports indicated that Arsenal might elevate Arteta’s pay closer to the £20 million-a-year range, similar to what Pep Guardiola earns at Manchester City.

However, the new deal, totalling £30 million over three years, reflects a more ‘modest’ increase than initially thought.

CARSON, CALIFORNIA - JULY 24: Mikel Arteta of Arsenal FC looks on from the sideline during the second half against AFC Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024 in Carson, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – JULY 24: Mikel Arteta of Arsenal FC looks on from the sideline during the second half against AFC Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024 in Carson, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

Arteta’s impact and new deal

Arteta, now 42, has been central to Arsenal’s resurgence, guiding the team back to Premier League title contention.

Since joining in December 2019, he has built a team capable of competing at the top level, marked by their improved performance each season under his guidance.

Despite having one year left on his previous contract, which was set to expire in 2025, Arsenal were eager to extend his stay and reward his achievements with a new deal.

The new contract negotiations were initially scheduled for July but were delayed until the closure of the summer transfer window, which saw Arteta complete part of his transfer objectives. He has consistently emphasised the importance of having a well-rounded squad, moving closer to his goal of having 20 high-quality players, alongside strong goalkeeping options.

Mikel Arteta receiving his award at the Globe Soccer Awards from Cesc Fabregas (Photo via Globe Soccer Awards on Twitter)
Mikel Arteta receiving his award at the Globe Soccer Awards from Cesc Fabregas (Photo via Globe Soccer Awards on Twitter)

Arsenal’s commitment amid external interest

There had been rumours earlier this year linking Arteta with managerial roles at top European clubs like Barcelona and Manchester City, especially given the uncertain contract situations of Xavi at Barcelona and Guardiola at City.

However, Arteta dispelled any speculation about leaving Arsenal, affirming his emotional attachment to the club and his commitment to the long-term project.

“I was never going to leave Arsenal for any other club or country now,” Arteta said, highlighting the deep connection he and his family have with the club and the city.