Arsenal confirm Mikel Arteta contract extension ahead of Tottenham North London Derby

Mikel Arteta has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, the club have confirmed.

The 42-year-old had been in the final 12 months of his contract but has now committed his future to the Gunners until 2027, football.london understands. The Spaniard has transformed the team since taking over from Unai Emery in December 2019, with the north Londoners now title challengers and Champions League regulars.

“We are really happy that Mikel has signed a new long-term contract," Edu told Arsenal's official website. "It’s a very positive and proud moment for everyone at the club and an important part of what we’re all working towards.

“Mikel has shown his qualities since the very first day he joined us, not only as a football manager, but as a person with wonderful values. We have a strong belief in what we are doing and what we want to achieve together. Mikel’s new contract gives us stability and clear direction as we aim for new heights.”

The announcement ends speculation linking Arteta with an exit following the 2024/25 campaign. The Arsenal boss had been linked with the managerial role at Barcelona and there also had been talk he could possibly be Pep Guardiola's eventual successor at Manchester City.

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It is a huge boost for everyone associated to Arsenal and will give everyone a lift ahead of three tricky fixtures. The Gunners travel to Tottenham on Sunday for the first North London Derby of the season before then making the trip to Italy to face Atalanta in the Champions League. Arsenal then go to Etihad Stadium on Sunday, September 22 to face Manchester City in what could be a huge game in the Premier League title race.