Mikel Arteta opens up on Arsenal contract talks as he fights to salvage season

Callum Vurley
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:14:32 +0000

Mikel Arteta dismissed questions about extending his Arsenal contract on Friday, insisting the timing was wrong for such conversations.

"There is no news on that. We don't have time to discuss that now," the Spaniard told reporters ahead of Saturday's Premier League fixture against Bournemouth.

The 44-year-old made clear that securing silverware takes precedence over personal matters at this stage of the campaign.

"The full focus is on what we have to do from here until the end of the season," Arteta added.

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His comments come with Arsenal firmly in contention for their first league championship in over two decades.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Arteta expressed contentment with his current situation at the Emirates Stadium.

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"I'm fully committed here. I'm really happy and I feel good," he stated.

The manager also emphasised that his personal life has contributed to his positive outlook, noting that his family is settled in north London.

Looking ahead, Arteta suggested there remains unfinished business at the club he has led since December 2019.

"I still have so much ambition and things to do at this club. For now, we are in a good place," he said.

Arteta's existing terms run until the summer of 2027, meaning he could enter next season with fewer than twelve months remaining on his deal.

According to reports, preliminary conversations between the manager and club officials have already taken place, with those discussions described as heading in a positive direction.

Both parties are reportedly keen to continue their partnership at the Emirates, though formal negotiations have been paused during the crucial final stretch of the campaign.

Arsenal are expected to resume contract talks once the season concludes, with the club viewing a change in the dugout as counterproductive regardless of whether trophies are secured this term.

Arsenal currently occupy top spot in the Premier League standings, holding a commanding nine-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City with 70 points accumulated from 31 matches.

The Gunners also remain in contention for European glory, having secured a 1-0 victory away to Sporting in the opening leg of their Champions League quarter-final earlier this week.

Saturday's home encounter with Bournemouth presents an opportunity to extend their domestic lead to twelve points before City travel to Chelsea the following day.

Arteta urged supporters to create an electric atmosphere despite the early kick-off time, declaring it "a big day" for the club.