Arteta Signs New Arsenal Deal: 'I Feel Extremely Lucky'

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has extended his stay at the Emirates Stadium by signing a new long-term contract, the Premier League title contenders announced on Thursday.

The Gunners confirmed that the 42-year-old Spaniard, who has reportedly agreed to a three-year deal, "has been a key figure in re-establishing us as a force back at the top of English and European football."

Arteta, who took over as Arsenal boss in late 2019, expressed his pride in a statement.

"I feel extremely lucky to work every single day with good people and the ambition we have here," Arteta said. "I feel very inspired, I feel challenged, I feel supported and I want to do much more than what we've already done together."

Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke praised Arteta's new deal, stating, "Mikel is a dynamic and passionate manager, who is relentless in the pursuit of excellence. He has a deep understanding of Arsenal's values, and since joining us as head coach, he has taken the team to another level in an Arsenal way."

Arteta, who previously served as an assistant coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, succeeded compatriot Unai Emery as Arsenal head coach in December 2019. He secured the FA Cup in his first season, marking his first managerial silverware.

In the past two seasons, Arsenal finished as runners-up to Manchester City in the Premier League, narrowly missing out on the title. Currently, Arteta's side is fourth in the table, following two wins and a draw. They are set to face north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday and will begin their Champions League campaign against Atalanta next week.

Arteta, who made 150 appearances for Arsenal and captained the team, had previously downplayed concerns about his contract situation, focusing on the transfer window instead.

"We are on it and we will take care of that in the right moment," Arteta had said, addressing speculation linking him with Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. "I don't think anybody has to panic. I am in the place where I want to be and am really happy. Hopefully, the club thinks the same thing and the players I work with, who in my opinion are the most important ones."

In the summer transfer window, Arsenal bolstered their squad with new signings, including Raheem Sterling, Mikel Merino, and Riccardo Calafiori. However, questions remain about whether the team has enough firepower to challenge Manchester City for the title.