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Mikel Arteta‘s long-term future at Arsenal appears set to be resolved in the near future after chief executive Richard Garlick revealed a new contract should be finalised “very shortly”.
With the transfer window still open, Arsenal have delayed formalising the agreement, but both club and manager have made it clear there is no concern over the remaining year on Arteta’s current deal.
Arteta is entering the final season of the contract he signed in September 2024, but both he and Arsenal have consistently stressed that extending his stay is simply a matter of timing.
The Arsenal manager has already reassured supporters there is no uncertainty over his future, saying they “don’t have to worry” and adding: “I want to be here, I’m extremely happy,” while indicating the new agreement will be completed when both parties have the opportunity.
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The club has echoed that confidence, with Garlick confirming the deal is coming.
“Mikel wants to be at Arsenal and we want Mikel at Arsenal. It’s only a matter of time before we put that into a new contract,” Garlick told the BBC.
“Everyone is very confident and calm. We’re just navigating a transfer window and I’m sure Mikel’s contract will be resolved very shortly.”
Arsenal’s immediate focus remains completing their summer business before the transfer window closes, with the expectation that Arteta’s new deal will then be finalised.
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Garlick also added about the need to sell players, “We will always aim to be compliant with whatever rules we need to comply with. Obviously the Premier League have changed their squad cost ratio rules this year, but for us, being compliant with UEFA and their 70% threshold is something we will always look to work to.
“Every club now has adopted a player trading model. I think the way in which football is, and the fees involved, it makes sense for you to trade players and to generate revenue through those sales. I wouldn’t say [selling this summer] is a necessity, but it’s a matter of good housekeeping that you do look at those opportunities when they arise, as long as they are right for the club, then that’s something that we will explore.
“Everybody loves to see those homegrown players pulling on the shirt and contributing to the success of the team. It’s not something that we aim for – selling only homegrown players.
“As I said, trading players is something that comes up all the time. There’s been a lot of speculation around players, I can’t stop other clubs being interested in our players.
He added: “I think, certainly, Myles has had a fantastic end to last season and he’s started the season really well, and we’re very, very happy with him. Ethan has had a great pre-season as well, and it’s just a case of looking at what opportunities there are that are going to help both of them in their careers moving forward.
“We’re not actively looking at selling those homegrown players, but as I say, if the right opportunity came up, and it was right for them and right for the club, we’d obviously consider that.”
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