Arsenal are close to agreeing a new contract with Mikel Arteta as the club moves to secure the manager’s future alongside that of three key first-team players.
Arteta’s current deal is due to expire at the end of the season, but there is growing confidence at the Emirates that the Spaniard will extend his stay after guiding Arsenal to the Premier League title last term.
Negotiations over an extension for Arteta have reportedly been under way since January and accelerated during the summer. The agreement could be finalised before the September international break.
Arsenal contract talks advance with Arteta and key trio
Arsenal are also making progress on improved terms for Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber, with talks over the trio having advanced since the end of last season.
The club’s priority is understood to be retaining the core of the squad that delivered its first league title since 2004. Rice has established himself as a central figure in midfield, while Odegaard remains an important creative presence and leadership figure.
Timber’s value has increased since his arrival from Ajax, with the Netherlands international offering Arteta flexibility across the defence. Arsenal have been working on an improved contract for the defender after a series of impressive performances.
All three players are believed to have less than two years remaining on their existing agreements, increasing the importance of reaching fresh terms before their situations become a source of uncertainty.
Arteta has previously made clear that he wants to remain in north London. Speaking in August, he said: “They don’t have to worry about any of that, because I want to be here. I am extremely happy.”
The manager also indicated that contract discussions had not been treated as an immediate concern because both sides were comfortable with the situation. Arsenal are now increasingly hopeful that the four negotiations can be brought to a successful conclusion in the coming weeks.
