Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted he expects the club’s attention to turn to his expiring contract once the transfer window closes next week.
Arteta has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Emirates Stadium, sparking concern among fans that they could lose their manager, although the boss has always publicly stressed his commitment to the club and his expectation that the negotiations on an extension are simple.
With Mikel Merino close to becoming the third senior signing of the summer for arsenalArteta stressed that the Gunners are close to being able to focus on resolving his future later this year.
“The focus has been on the transfer period,” he explained. “We had a lot to do and discuss.
“We’re in this and we’ll take care of it at the right time. I’m very grateful first of all for where I’m sitting and for the people I work with every day because it’s very difficult to find that harmony, trust, belief and alignment in vision.
“It’s something I always mention because I think we still have an incredible time ahead of us. It’s very exciting and I’m very excited.”
Asked if he could emulate Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp by remaining nine years linked to one club, Arteta added: “I see it today and tomorrow. This is the reality as managers and we have to live with this urgency.
“Looking two, three years down the road, you have to plan because what happens to the club after that depends on how well we get results, that’s it. That’s the reality. In the meantime, do your best and enjoy it if you do. can”.
Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have been credited with interest in Arteta in the past. The former signed Hansi Flick on a two-year deal this summer, while Luis Enrique’s contract with the French champions runs until the end of the current campaign.
