Arteta set for new improved deal at Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has indicated that he intends to remain Arsenal manager beyond the final year of his current contract.

The Spaniard, whose existing agreement expires next summer, said Arsenal supporters should not be concerned about his future as talks over a new deal continue.

Arteta is reportedly in line for a significant pay rise from his current £10 million annual salary after leading Arsenal to Premier League success last season.

Arteta gives fans contract reassurance

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Community Shield meeting with Manchester City, Arteta made clear that his preference is to stay at the Emirates Stadium.

“The fans don’t have to worry about any of that, because I want to be here. I am extremely happy,” he said.

“I feel very grateful to work with the people that I work with and when we have the possibility, we will resolve that.”

Arteta suggested that the timing of the negotiations was not a concern for either side, with both the manager and the club comfortable with his current situation.

“My will, certainly, is to be here and I am very happy here. My feeling from the club’s the same,” he added.

The 43-year-old has been Arsenal manager since 2019 and has overseen a significant transformation of the club, culminating in last season’s Premier League title.

Arsenal prepare for City clash

Arteta also discussed Arsenal’s preparations for the new season and admitted he had been surprised by the transfer fees being paid for players this summer.

The manager cited Morgan Rogers’ reported £117 million move to Chelsea as an example of the market’s inflation.

“Yes. I wouldn’t have bet,” Arteta said when asked if the transfer fees had surprised him.

“That’s the market. That means there are clubs happy to invest or they believe that the valuations of those players are that, and that’s fair.”

The Arsenal boss declined to comment on the club’s reported interest in Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah.

However, he confirmed that Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi are expected to be available for the Community Shield after missing Wednesday’s friendly against Como.

“They will be available. They will train, and if they are in the condition that we expect them to be, they will be involved,” Arteta said.

Jurrien Timber will miss the match because of a long-standing groin problem, although Arteta said the defender is making good progress.

“He is on a good trajectory, but there are still a few weeks to go,” he said.

William Saliba is also facing a longer recovery as Arsenal manage their defensive injury concerns ahead of the new campaign.