Arsenal are moving closer to securing the future of manager Mikel Arteta, with positive discussions underway over a new long-term contract that would keep the Spaniard at the club beyond the 2026/27 season.
Although Arteta still has one year remaining on his current deal, Arsenal have already opened negotiations over an extension. While a final agreement is not expected until the 44-year-old returns from his summer break, club officials are increasingly confident that a new contract will be finalized.
The proposed agreement is believed to be a three-year extension and would include a substantial salary increase. Arteta currently earns around £10 million per season, excluding performance-related bonuses tied to Champions League qualification.
If completed, the new deal would place the Arsenal boss among the highest-paid managers in English football. With Pep Guardiola expected to leave Manchester City, Arteta could become one of the top earners in the Premier League managerial ranks. Guardiola’s reported salary exceeded £20 million annually, and Arsenal are prepared to move Arteta’s earnings closer to that level.
Contract talks come at a time when Arsenal are preparing for a significant squad rebuild ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Following their Premier League title triumph—the club’s first league championship in 22 years—attention has shifted to strengthening the squad for both domestic and European challenges.
Despite suffering heartbreak in the UEFA Champions League final after losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, Arsenal ended the season with silverware and renewed optimism under Arteta’s leadership.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Arsenal have already begun planning for a busy summer transfer window. The club is expected to make several additions as it seeks to build on its recent success.
There had been suggestions that Arsenal might need to sell players before making major investments, but respected journalist David Ornstein believes the club remains financially strong and capable of spending heavily.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Ornstein identified several key areas Arsenal intend to strengthen.
According to him, the club is actively looking to recruit a new striker, with the centre-forward position viewed as an important area for improvement. Arsenal are also prioritizing the signing of a left-sided attacker, a position they have monitored for several years.
In addition, the Gunners are seeking reinforcements in midfield, particularly a player capable of operating in both defensive and central roles, while a new right-back is also on the club’s wishlist.
Ornstein noted that when all of Arsenal’s transfer targets are considered, the club’s spending could match or even surpass last summer’s outlay.
Romano later revealed that Arsenal have intensified preparations for the transfer market.
According to the Italian journalist, at least three new signings are expected, although that number could increase depending on player departures. A top-quality winger remains the club’s main priority, while additions in midfield and right-back positions are also considered highly likely. The striker situation, he added, will become clearer as the transfer window progresses.
Reports suggest Arsenal could ultimately bring in four or more new players as Arteta continues reshaping his squad. Several established members of the current team are also expected to leave the Emirates Stadium during the summer transfer window.
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