Mikel Arteta gave a surprise answer to a Arsenal contract extension question, having recently been linked with Barcelona..jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
WHAT HAPPENED?
Following Barcelona manager Xavi’s announcement of his intention to step down at the end of the season, Arteta emerged as a frontrunner to succeed him at Camp Nou. However, the 42-year-old swiftly dispelled any notion of his imminent departure from Arsenal, reaffirming his commitment to the north London club.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
However, Arteta’s long-term future at the Emirates Stadium still hangs in the balance. Arteta, who took initially over the reins at Arsenal in December 2019, succeeded fellow Spaniard Unai Emery on a three-and-a-half-year contract. He signed an extension in the 2021-22 season and his current deal runs until 2025. Despite having just over a year remaining on his current deal, Arteta remains unable to give an update on any potential renewal.
WHAT ARTETA SAID
When pressed for an update on his contract situation, Arteta told reporters: “No, nothing. I am really happy. I still have a year in my contract, that’s a long time in football. The players are happy, the club is happy, no issues. I’m just focusing on the games and winning football matches and that’s the most important thing right now.”
WHAT NEXT?
Despite Arteta’s denial of the Barcelona links, the allure of returning to his boyhood club remains a compelling narrative for the Spaniard. However, for the time being, he remains focused on the job at hand.
Arsenal find themselves in a heated title race in the Premier League, trailing leaders Liverpool by a mere two points with nine games remaining in the season before facing a struggling Luton Town on Wednesday. Arteta’s side are also on the cusp of European glory, preparing for a pivotal two-legged Champions League quarter-final clash against Bayern Munich, with the first encounter scheduled on April 9 at the Emirates.
