Fabrizio Romano has an update that will make many Arsenal fans happy.
The Gunners are focusing on the summer transfer window. They need reinforcements in multiple areas of their pitch, while a number of players need to be moved on as well.
There will definitely be a lot of movement at Arsenal over the next two months, but one man is going nowhere this summer.
Romano has now shared the latest on the situation.
Fabrizio Romano shares what’s happening in Arsenal’s contract talks with Mikel Arteta
Arsenal appointed Mikel Arteta as their new boss in December 2019.
The Spaniard had to get through a lot of hurdles in his first few years at the club, but he came out of it brilliantly and has completely transformed the Gunners.
Arsenal have challenged for the Premier League title for two seasons in a row now, and they are expected to do that again next term.
That’s all down to Arteta’s brilliance behind the scenes, but there has been some fear about the Spaniard’s future, with clubs like Barcelona linked with him not too long ago.
The 42-year-old. branded as an ‘incredible manager’ by Pep Guardiola, will enter the final year of his contract in July, and Arsenal simply cannot afford to lose him.
In a Transfer Mailbag edition on The Debrief podcast, Romano was asked about Arteta’s future, and the journalist confirmed that initial talks over a renewal have already taken place.
He further claimed that it’s only a matter of time before Arteta puts pen to paper.
When asked when we can expect to see that happening, Romano said: “I think soon. I don’t think it’s going to be long. Arsenal already had some conversations with the agents of Mikel Arteta.
“And they are quite relaxed because they are very happy with Arteta and Arteta is very happy at Arsenal. They believe altogether in this project for the present and future. So this is why they are not in a rush.
“Obviously, they want to get it done as soon as possible, but they feel that Arteta is not entertaining talks with any other club. When he was in the rumours for Barcelona, he was very strong. in public and in private, about denying that possibility because he only wants to focus on Arsenal’s project, and Arsenal are more than happy with him.
“So, I think it’s just a matter of time before they meet again, they can fix the details of the new contract, but the initial conversations already took place and I think it’s a matter of time and then we will see Mikel Arteta signing a new contract and being a crucial project of this fantastic project they have at Arsenal.”
Arsenal made a mistake but it hasn’t cost them
Securing Arteta’s future might just be the best bit of business Arsenal do this summer.
The Spaniard is incredibly important to the club. He is the main reason why the Gunners have done so well over the last two seasons, and under whim, we’re convinced Arsenal will win the big trophies soon.
However, allowing Arteta to get anywhere near the final year of his contract is a big mistake. Yes, Arsenal probably thought they had it under control and they did, but nobody should be allowed to enter the final 12 months of their deal.
Arsenal have got away with it now, but Edu Gaspar and everyone else involved should make sure that contracts are sorted before anyone reaches the last two years of their deals.