Mikel Arteta delays Arsenal contract talks for Premier League title push
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has postponed discussions over a new contract to focus entirely on ending the club’s two-decade wait for a Premier League title.
The Spaniard’s current deal expires at the end of next season, raising the prospect of him entering the final year of his tenure without an agreement in place.
However, both the 42-year-old and the north London hierarchy remain completely relaxed regarding the situation.
Serious negotiations will be deferred until the summer while the squad concentrates on securing their first domestic crown since 2004.
Commitment to the Emirates project
Despite the looming expiration of his current terms, the former midfielder insists he views his managerial role as a long-term commitment.
“Yeah, I’m fully committed here,” Arteta said.
“I’m really happy and I feel good. My family is good.”
“I still have so much ambition and things to do in this football club and for now we are in a good place.”
Sole focus on the title run-in
When questioned about immediate progress regarding his future, the Gunners boss firmly shut down any potential distractions.
“No, there’s no news on that,” he responded.
“I think we have no time to discuss that now. The full focus is on what we have to do from here until the end of the season.”
The tactician is currently the second-longest serving manager in the English top flight, trailing only his former mentor Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Rallying cry for Bournemouth clash
Attention now turns strictly to domestic duties, with Arsenal hosting Bournemouth in a crucial lunchtime fixture on Saturday.
The manager urged supporters to arrive early and create a hostile atmosphere to help push his players over the line.
“The closer we get, the relevance and importance of the match increases, obviously, and tomorrow is a big day for us,” Arteta concluded.
“It’s an early kick-off, so get up early, have an early breakfast, bring your lunch, bring your dinner. Let’s go all together for it because it has to be a big day.”
