Arsenal Set to Offer Mikel Arteta New Long-Term Contract After Decision Made in March 2026

Arsenal are preparing to offer Mikel Arteta a new long-term contract extension during the summer transfer window, with the club having made the decision well ahead of the end of the current campaign.

According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal’s leadership internally agreed on extending Arteta’s deal as far back as March 2026, meaning the outcome of the season will have no bearing on the offer being made. Romano stated: “Understand Arsenal are planning to offer Mikel Arteta a new contract in the summer. Plan already decided in March regardless of end of the end-of-season results. Arteta wants to focus on titles now, but is in love with Arsenal project and looking forward to talks. Deal on soon.”

Arteta is currently in his sixth season as Arsenal manager, having taken charge at the Emirates Stadium in December 2019. His tenure has seen a significant shift in the club’s fortunes, with the Gunners evolving from a side struggling to compete in the upper reaches of the Premier League into consistent title challengers. The 43-year-old Spaniard is described as being fully committed to the club’s long-term project and open to entering formal negotiations.

Arteta’s existing contract is set to run until June 2027. However, Arsenal are reportedly keen to secure his services beyond that date, particularly given suggestions of interest from other elite clubs across Europe. The decision to move early on an extension reflects the confidence Arsenal’s board has placed in Arteta’s leadership and the direction he has taken the club.

The timing of the announcement coincides with a significant period in the club’s recent history. Arsenal have reached the UEFA Champions League final this season, representing a landmark achievement under Arteta’s management and the most notable measure of progress since he took the role. The club has not reached a European Cup final since 2006, when they were defeated by Barcelona in Paris.

While Arteta has indicated his immediate focus remains on winning trophies in the current season, Romano’s report confirms that contract discussions are expected to begin formally once the campaign concludes. The proposed deal would represent one of the most significant managerial contract renewals in Arsenal’s recent history and is a clear signal of institutional backing from ownership group Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.

Arteta has previously guided Arsenal to FA Cup glory in 2020 and has twice finished as Premier League runners-up in recent seasons, cementing his standing as one of the more influential managers currently operating in English football.