Mikel Arteta signs new Arsenal contract until 2030, reportedly becoming the Premier League's top-paid manager
Arsenal have handed Mikel Arteta a four-year deal to June 2030 after last season's title win, with reports putting his pay at about GBP20m a year.
Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract with Arsenal that runs until June 2030, the Premier League champions announced on Wednesday. The four-year deal replaces a contract that was due to expire at the end of this season.
According to the Daily Mail, the new terms are worth about GBP20 million a year, which would make the Spaniard the highest-paid manager in the Premier League. Arsenal have not confirmed the figure.
Rewarded for a title-winning season
The extension follows the most successful season of Arteta's time in charge. Last season Arsenal won the Premier League for the first time since 2004, ending a 22-year wait for the title. They also reached their first Champions League final in two decades, losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in Budapest.
Arteta, 44, took over in December 2019 and is now the longest-serving manager in the top four divisions of English football. Reports put his trophy count at Arsenal at five, starting with the FA Cup in his first months in the job.
Arteta called the new deal a privilege and said he was proud to commit his future to the club. Arsenal co-chairs Stan and Josh Kroenke said it had been "an incredible journey so far", while chief executive Richard Garlick said the aim was to build a winning era together. Reports also say the club are extending the contracts of his coaching staff.
A bumpy start to the title defence
The timing gives Arsenal some stability after a difficult result before the international break, when they lost 3-0 at Brighton. That left the Gunners second in the table, three points behind leaders Manchester City.
City's own position is clouded by the independent commission's guilty verdict in the Premier League's long-running financial rules case. The club have appealed, and possible sanctions are still to be decided.
Leeds next for Arsenal
Arsenal return to action at home to Leeds United on Saturday 10 October. Kick-off is 12.30pm UK time, which is 7.30pm in Malaysia.
The same day, Manchester City travel to Anfield to face Liverpool, so the gap at the top could change before Arsenal play again.
Why the deal matters
Arteta's previous contract would have entered its final months this season, which often leads to speculation about a manager's future. Settling it early means Arsenal can plan their squad and transfers around him for the next four seasons.
It also continues a run of long-term backing. Arteta was a first-time head coach when he was appointed after working as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. He is now in his seventh year at the Emirates.
Key takeaways
- Mikel Arteta has signed a new Arsenal contract that runs until June 2030.
- The deal is reported to be worth about GBP20m a year, the most of any Premier League manager.
- Arteta led Arsenal to their first league title since 2004 last season and to a Champions League final.
- Arsenal are second, three points behind Manchester City, and host Leeds on Saturday at 7.30pm Malaysia time.
FAQ
How long is Mikel Arteta's new Arsenal contract? The new deal is for four years and runs until June 2030.
How much will Arteta earn? Arsenal have not disclosed the terms, but the Daily Mail reports about GBP20 million a year, the highest salary of any Premier League manager.
When do Arsenal play next? Arsenal host Leeds United on Saturday 10 October, kick-off 7.30pm Malaysia time.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Premier League, Sky Sports, Football Transfers, VAVEL, TV Guide