Arsenal have announced that Mikel Arteta has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2024/25 season, with the manager laying out his ambitions to steer them into the Champions League.
The Gunners are currently fourth in the Premier League, meaning they would qualify for a spot at Europe’s elite table for the first time in six years, and the ambitious Arteta has vowed to take them to the ‘next level’.
He has put pen to paper on a new three-year deal, while sat alongside Arsenal women’s boss Jonas Eidevall, with the club opting for a double signing at the Emirates Stadium.
Reacting to the step, an ecstatic Arteta emphasised the importance of the Champions League and praised the work of the Kroenke family owners.
‘I’m excited, grateful and really, really happy today,’ Arteta said.
‘When I spoke to Josh (Kroenke) he could see the club at the same point and he wanted to take the club the way I wanted to do it.
Arteta emphasised the importance of reaching the Champions League
‘So everything that he’s said, and that Stan (Kroenke) has said when I’ve been together with both of them, they’ve always delivered.
‘We want to take the club to the next level and to compete really with the top teams. In order to do that, we have to be playing in the Champions League.
‘We have to be able to evolve the team, improve our players, improve all departments, generate even more connection with our fans, improve the atmosphere at the Emirates, be able to recruit top, top talent and the best people for this club to drive this project to that level.’
Both Arteta and Eidevall signed their contracts together in the directors’ box at the north London ground, with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, technical director Edu Gaspar and head of women’s football Clare Wheatley also present.
Arteta was appointed in December 2019 and his side currently sit fourth in the Premier League.
Arsenal have not secured a top-four finish since 2015-16, but currently lead fierce rivals Tottenham by two points with just four games remaining.
Josh Kroenke outlined the club’s belief that their boss will turn them into regular challengers for the ‘top’ trophies.
He said: ‘My father and I are delighted to have extended both Mikel’s and Jonas’ contracts. It provides stability and clarity for the future and helps us all move forward together effectively.
‘Mikel’s commitment and passion are clear for everyone to see.
Arsenal’s chiefs have unanimously praised the manager’s work and tipped him to win trophies
‘We are confident that as we move forward, he will get us back to competing for the top trophies in the game.
Edu, meanwhile, said: ‘I think the timing is perfect. I really believe the message will be a big lift to everyone. To the fans, to the club, to the players, to Mikel.
‘It’s important to show everyone where we want to go as a club. We are going to face a big summer again and it’s important to have our manager here.’
