Arsenal lock in Arteta with £20 million deal as rivals scramble

Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract at Arsenal, announced on seven October 2026, that will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until 2030 and raises his earnings to around £20 million a year.

Record salary and contract terms

The £20 million annual package makes Arteta the Premier League’s highest‑paid manager, overtaking peers such as Unai Emery and Oliver Glasner who earn in the £10‑12 million bracket. His previous deal was worth up to £15 million with bonuses. The four‑year agreement replaces a contract that was due to expire in 2027.

Arsenal’s recent trophy haul

Since taking charge, Arteta guided the Gunners from a 10th‑place finish in 2019 to Premier League champions in 2026 – the club’s first league title in 22 years. Arsenal also reached the Champions League final that season, losing on penalties to Paris Saint‑Germain, and added English Super Cup victories in 2020, 2023 and 2026, plus an FA Cup in 2020.

Club ambition to eclipse Manchester City

Arsenal’s leadership says the new deal underpins a plan to overtake a crisis‑hit Manchester City and become England’s dominant force. Manchester City have been found guilty of breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations covering the 2009‑10 to 2017‑18 seasons.

Co‑chairs Stan Kroenke and Josh Kroenke said: “It has been an incredible journey so far and we are excited for what lies ahead in this special relationship. Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract at Arsenal and will now look to build a dynasty.”

CEO Richard Garlick added: “This is an important time in Arsenal Football Club’s history. We want to create a winning era together with Mikel.”

Arteta himself said: “It’s a privilege to commit my future to the club and to continue to work with exceptional people who want the best for Arsenal. This club is unique, its character and the way it makes you feel, and I have a great sense of privilege that our journey together will continue.”

The Spaniard, now a 44‑year‑old, has overseen roughly £900 million in player transfer fees during his nearly seven‑year reign. He is the longest‑serving manager in the top flight, appointed in December 2019, and joins a select group of Premier League coaches who have stayed a decade or more at a single club.