'It will happen' - Mikel Arteta gives update on big Arsenal contract decision

Mikel Arteta has maintained he is relaxed about his contract situation at Arsenal and is confident a resolution between both parties can be found. The Arsenal boss will see his current deal expire next summer and is yet to commit to fresh terms, which would see him extend his stay at Emirates Stadium.

Arteta has been a huge success since replacing Unai Emery as manager in 2019 and is preparing to enter his fifth full season in charge of the club. During this period, the Spaniard has turned the Gunners from underachievers to title challengers, having significantly closed the gap on Manchester City.

Arsenal supporters will be hoping to see the 42-year-old remain in the dugout for many years to come, given the turnaround he has overseen, though there is yet to be a breakthrough between Arteta and the club in their negotiations over a new contract.

Opening up on his future, Arteta told ESPN: "No, there is no update at the moment. The thing that hasn't changed is how happy I am and how valued I feel here and how much I love representing this club.

"Things happen in a natural way and our relationship is that good that I don't predict any issues happening," added the Arsenal coach. "But things have to develop in the right way and it will happen."

One of Arsenal's title rivals, Liverpool, will be without legendary coach Jurgen Klopp next season after the German's decision to step down from his role and there are fears at Manchester City Pep Guardiola could soon follow suit.

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Guardiola's deal is set to expire at the same time as Arteta's and there is a growing expectation he will not remain at the club past this date.

Casting doubt over his future at the end of last campaign, the City boss remarked: "The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying. We have talked with the club - my feeling is that I want to stay now. I will stay next season and during the season we will talk. But eight or nine years - we will see.”