Football insider Fabrizio Romano has shed light on how Arsenal plan to respond to Manchester City’s reported interest in their manager, Mikel Arteta. Arteta, who served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at City from July 2016 to December 2019, played a crucial role in helping City secure two Premier League titles and one FA Cup during his tenure.
Since taking over at Arsenal, Arteta has significantly enhanced his reputation, transforming the Gunners into strong title contenders. Over the past two seasons, Arsenal have pushed City to the limit in the title race, missing out by a mere seven points combined. This has left Arteta and his squad determined to clinch success in the upcoming 2024-25 campaign.
Despite the progress, there have been whispers about Arteta potentially leaving the Emirates to succeed Guardiola at Manchester City. Guardiola himself has hinted that his tenure at City might conclude by the summer of 2025, making Arteta a prime candidate due to his familiarity with the club and his attractive style of football.
Arsenal, however, are determined to retain their influential manager, especially with his contract set to expire in June 2025. According to Romano, the Gunners are poised to start negotiations to extend Arteta’s contract, aiming to fend off any advances from their Premier League rivals.
“Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has only one year left on his contract, but the club consider him an absolutely crucial piece of their project, so they want to extend his contract as soon as possible,” Romano reported in his latest column for the Daily Briefing.
Arteta’s future at Arsenal hangs in the balance as the club looks to secure his leadership for the long term, ensuring that their ambitions remain firmly on track.