Arsenal could be set for huge boost amid Pep Guardiola uncertainty amid new contract update

Mikel Arteta could commit his long-term future to Arsenal by signing a new long-term contract soon, according to reports. The Spaniard has less than one year left on his current deal, which is set to expire in June 2025.

He has transformed the Gunners into Premier League title challengers since taking over from Unai Emery in December 2019, despite a mixed start to life in north London. He has guided Arsenal to back-to-back second place finishes and they fell short by two points to champions Manchester City last season.

And now, Arteta is expected to sign a long-term deal at the Emirates, according to Sky Sports. It's added that his relationship with sporting director Edu and the ownership is strong. Formal talks are not seen as 'necessary' and there is 'no rush' to force negotiations. Arteta has said that his contract extension will happen in a natural way and his current focus is "recalibrating the squad" for the season.

Earlier this year, Arteta was linked with a move back to Spain to take over at Barcelona after Xavi announced his departure. And Arteta has admitted that he has "always thought" he would return to his homeland in the future. Arteta was born in the Donostia-San Sebastian region in northern Spain.

The news of Arteta and his long-term contract extension at Arsenal comes amid uncertainty over Pep Guardiola's future at Manchester City. It was reported earlier this summer that Guardiola is expected to decide on whether to stay or leave City between December and February, months before his contract expires.

The 53-year-old, who joined City in June 2016 after Manuel Pellegrini left the club, has won the Premier League six times in eight years during his time at the Etihad. He has overseen a total dominance from City but he is still unsure over his future, with his contract running out at the end of the season.

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Considering Arsenal have been the closest challengers to City over the past two seasons, Arteta's commitment to the Gunners in the long-term could be crucial as they bid to become the best team in England once again. At the moment, Guardiola and City are still a force to be reckoned with.

Arsenal started the season with a 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday. Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka earned the Gunners three points as they bid to win the Premier League for the first time in 21 years.