Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract with Arsenal running until June 2030. His first match after the extension is at home to Leeds on Saturday at 13.30, against a side yet to lose in the Premier League this season. Arsenal are likely to go into the game without William Saliba.
The deal was announced on Wednesday, Sky Sports reports. His previous contract, signed in September 2024, was due to expire next summer. The Spaniard is 44 and has been manager since 2019. No manager in England’s top four divisions has been in their job longer.
It is a privilege to commit my future to the club and continue working with exceptional people.
Mikel Arteta
Chief executive Richard Garlick called it “an important time in Arsenal’s history”. “We want to create an era of success with Mikel,” he said.
The backdrop is the club’s best season in two decades. In the spring, Arsenal won their first league title in 22 years, after three consecutive second-place finishes, and reached the Champions League final, where Paris Saint-Germain won on penalties. Only four managers have won the Premier League more than once: Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho and Arsène Wenger.
Leeds remain unbeaten
The day-to-day reality is tougher than the celebratory speeches. Arsenal lost 3–0 away to Brighton in the last round of fixtures before the international break and sit three points behind Manchester City, who have won all five matches. Leeds are fifth with two wins and three draws, and have conceded just three goals. Only Everton have conceded as few.
Arsenal have four wins and one defeat after five matches, with eight goals scored and four conceded. City, by comparison, have scored 13 and conceded five. Leeds, meanwhile, have scored seven goals, and three of their five matches have ended in draws.
The injury list does not help. In the official Fantasy Premier League listings, Saliba is listed with a back injury and no known return date. Declan Rice and Ben White, who has a groin injury, are both given a 75 per cent chance of playing.
The bright spot is the captain. Martin Ødegaard took a heavy blow to the ankle from Bernardo Silva in Norway’s home defeat to Portugal, but played in the final two internationals and provided three assists during the international break.
After Leeds, Arsenal host Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday. According to Sports Illustrated, Arteta could therefore consider resting Ødegaard. Defeat on Saturday could send Leeds above the reigning champions in the table.