Mikel Arteta has eased fears over his Arsenal future. The Spaniard is entering the final year of his deal. Yet no alarm has been raised.
“I want to be here,” Arteta told reporters.
He said he was very happy and also he praised the club. A new deal is still expected. But no agreement has been signed.
Contract Talks Can Wait
Arteta joined Arsenal in 2019. His last deal was signed in 2024. The next contract has not been treated as urgent. Arteta said other matters have taken priority.
“There is always another priority,” he said.
The manager added that both sides feel comfortable. His comments were made before Sunday’s Community Shield against Manchester City. Arsenal will enter the game as Premier League champions. The title was secured last season. It ended a 22-year wait.
A Bigger Test Awaits
The title defence will now begin under Arteta. The Community Shield will provide the first test. Manchester City will provide the opposition in Cardiff. The new campaign will then begin for Arsenal next week. The club will be expected to defend its title.
Arteta will also be expected to make another deep Champions League run.
Squad Has Been Strengthened
Arsenal have been busy in the transfer market. Bruno Guimaraes was signed from Newcastle United. Christos Tzolis was also added. Goalkeeper Illan Meslier arrived. Piero Hincapie was retained on a permanent deal. Guimaraes was signed for about £75 million. Some targets were missed.
Vinicius Junior remained at Real Madrid. Morgan Rogers was also not brought to north London. Still, Arteta remains pleased with the squad he has.
“I am really happy with the squad,” he said.
He also praised the club’s ambition and approach.
Arteta Wants Arsenal’s Way
The manager has resisted comparisons with rivals. Big spending has been seen across the Premier League. Arsenal, he said, must continue in their own way.
“We need to do it our way,” Arteta said.
He acknowledged that some rivals have advantages. But Arsenal’s own strengths were also highlighted. The focus, he said, will be on competing for every trophy.
Fitness Boost Before City
Arsenal have also received good fitness news. Declan Rice is available. Bukayo Saka is available too. Martin Zubimendi can also play. All three have returned after extended breaks. Captain Martin Odegaard has also been declared fit.
Jurrien Timber is not ready yet. William Saliba remains sidelined. For now, Arteta’s message is simple for Arsenal fans. His future is not a concern. A new contract can wait. The immediate focus is on defending the title.
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