Arsenal open Mikel Arteta contract talks amid Premier League title pressure
Arsenal have opened preliminary discussions to extend the contract of manager Mikel Arteta, though the club faces potential fan opposition if they end the season without a trophy.
The Gunners hierarchy are keen to secure the long-term future of the 42-year-old at the Emirates Stadium.
However, recent cup exits and a crucial upcoming fixture have amplified the pressure on the current league leaders.
High stakes in Manchester
The north London outfit travel to face reigning champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s side currently trail the top spot by six points but possess a vital game in hand.
A victory for the hosts this weekend, combined with a win in their rescheduled fixture against Burnley, would see a change at the summit.
The visitors have led the title race since the seventh week of the campaign and are chasing their first domestic crown since 2004.
Silverware essential for fan backing
Despite turning the team into genuine contenders since his appointment in 2019, the former midfielder has seen recent results damage morale.
A home defeat to Bournemouth, a Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City, and an FA Cup exit to Championship side Southampton have derailed early quadruple hopes.
Speaking on the Market Madness podcast, CBS Sports correspondent James Benge highlighted the delicate nature of the current negotiations.
“They have had those conversations, and the expectation is they would resume in the summer, but you have to factor in the sort of fan mood and the fan noise,” Benge stated.
“And I don’t really know what it would be if Arsenal don’t win another trophy, but my suspicion is it would sort of harden against the idea of giving him an extension.”
Summer resolution expected
The Spanish tactician is already among the highest-earning managers in world football.
Failing to deliver major silverware could make it increasingly difficult to justify improved terms to an expectant fanbase.
“They would like him to stay, and I don’t think Mikel Arteta would walk either if this season went off the rails,” Benge added.
“But I do think you’d have to be very cognizant of what the atmosphere in the fanbase would be.”
