Arsenal are contemplating a new contract extension for manager Mikel Arteta in order to stave off Manchester City’s interest.
The Spaniard’s current contract expires at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, and Arsenal are wary of him entering the final 12 months of his agreement.
And the Daily Mail reports that Arsenal’s top brass are happy with the job Arteta has supervised since succeeding Unai Emery.
As he continues to empower and build around young players, such as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, the club is convinced that they are headed in the right path.
Arteta’s leadership off the field has also impressed Arsenal, with him playing a key part in persuading players to take salary concessions at the outset of the crisis and representing the club well in the media.
Arsenal are aware that Man City are considering Arteta as a possible replacement to Pep Guardiola, whose current contract expires at the end of next season.
As a result, Arsenal are actively courting Arteta for a new contract in order to keep him away from the Etihad Stadium in the near future.
While Arsenal have finished eighth twice in their first two seasons under Arteta – their lowest result since Arsene Wenger took over the club – they have won the 2019/20 FA Cup and made progress on the pitch this season, muscling their way into top-four contention.
