Mikel Arteta has signed a new three-year contract with Arsenal, extending his tenure until 2027. The 42-year-old Spaniard, who took charge of the Gunners in 2019, has transformed the club into genuine Premier League title contenders, guiding them to consecutive second-place finishes in the league.

Arteta, who replaced Unai Emery, has revitalized Arsenal during his five years at the helm, but his previous contract was set to expire at the end of this season. The new deal not only secures his future at the club but also reportedly makes him one of the highest-paid managers in the Premier League. Arteta, who was previously earning £9 million per year, is now believed to be approaching the salary range of Pep Guardiola’s £20 million per year at Manchester City, making him Arsenal’s highest-paid manager in history.

The extension ends speculation about his future and provides a significant boost to the club ahead of the upcoming north London derby against Tottenham.

Midfield Concerns Ahead of Crucial Fixtures

Meanwhile, Arteta is facing a challenge in assembling his preferred midfield trio ahead of some tough upcoming fixtures. One player Arteta particularly admires is Ben White, whose qualities align perfectly with the manager’s footballing philosophy. White’s intensity, aggression, and composure on the ball are highly valued by Arteta, who has often praised the defender’s contributions.

Arteta might wish more of his squad shared White’s refusal to participate in international football. While White, the former Brighton defender, has been resting and recovering following a hectic start to the Premier League season, many of his teammates have been away on international duty, increasing their risk of injury and fatigue.

International breaks are always a nerve-wracking time for club managers, especially for someone as meticulous as Arteta. The Gunners’ boss watched with concern as several of his key players took to the field for their countries, knowing the potential implications for Arsenal’s domestic campaign. Unfortunately, on Monday, Arteta’s fears were realized when injuries struck during the international fixtures, adding to his selection dilemmas as Arsenal prepares for a crucial stretch of matches.

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