Arsenal's future hinges on Arteta as contract year looms

Mikel Arteta, whose contract enters its final year, moved to silence doubts about his future at Arsenal after ending a 22‑year wait to win the Premier League in May. The Spaniard stressed he is extremely happy and wants to stay.

The report was filed by TARA ANSON-WALSH, FOOTBALL REPORTER, and ISAAN KHAN, REPORTER. It was published at 13:22 BST on 15 August 2026 and updated at the same time.

Arsenal co‑chairman Josh Kroenke said tying the Spaniard to a new deal was an ‘utmost priority’ after the Premier League triumph. He highlighted the importance of securing continuity for the club.

Despite that priority, no new contract has materialised yet. Arteta emphasized that all parties are focused on other priorities and reiterated he is extremely happy at the club.

Ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Manchester City in Cardiff, Arteta told fans they need not worry about the contract situation. He said, ‘I want to be here. I am extremely happy. The match kicks off at 3 pm. Arteta joined Arsenal as head coach in December 2019, three years after retiring as a player, and has delivered sustained success. He guided the team to an FA Cup win in his second year and three consecutive second‑place finishes between 2023 and 2025. In May, he ended Arsenal’s 22‑year wait by winning the Premier League.

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He also led Arsenal to their first Champions League final in 20 years, where they were defeated on penalties by Paris Saint‑Germain.

Transfer market and squad outlook

Arteta admitted the summer’s transfer fees surprised him, citing Morgan Rogers’ £117 m move to Chelsea, Elliot Anderson’s £116 m transfer to Manchester City, and Sandro Tonali’s £100 m switch to Tottenham. The club also paid £75 m for Bruno Guimaraes, £34 m for striker Christos Tzolis and £35 m to make Piero Hincapie’s loan permanent.

‘Yes, it has (transfer fees surprised me). I wouldn’t bet on such high prices, to be fair. But that’s the market,’ Arteta said, adding that clubs value players based on what someone is willing to pay.

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Arteta also hinted that 19‑year‑old Ethan Nwaneri could leave, noting he was tracked by clubs including Galatasaray after sitting on the bench for Marseille following Roberto De Zerbi’s exit. He praised Nwaneri’s talent but stressed the player needs regular minutes, otherwise it is not good for anyone.