Mikel Arteta: The manager of Arsenal has agreed to a three-year extension of his contract with the Premier League team.

Mikel Arteta has put pen to paper on a three-year contract extension with Arsenal, securing his future at the Emirates until 2027, according to multiple reports emerging from the British media.

The announcement of this renewal is expected to be made ahead of the highly anticipated north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Arteta’s previous deal was set to expire at the end of the current season, but his impressive back-to-back runner-up finishes in the Premier League have prompted the club to extend his tenure.

Since taking over from Unai Emery in December 2019, Arteta has been instrumental in reshaping Arsenal’s ambitions and fortunes. The former midfielder, who enjoyed a successful playing career with the Gunners, stepped into his first senior managerial role after serving as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Under Arteta’s guidance, Arsenal has emerged as a formidable force in the Premier League, positioning themselves as Manchester City’s closest challengers. His first season in charge saw the club lift the FA Cup, and after a few seasons of struggling to break into the top four, he has transformed the squad into genuine title contenders.

The 2022/23 season saw Arsenal finish second, marking their highest league position in seven years. They replicated that success last season, amassing an impressive 89 points, yet still fell short of the title, finishing just two points behind the champions, City.

As the new campaign unfolds, Arteta’s side has made a solid start with two wins and a draw. However, they face a significant challenge this weekend as they prepare to take on their fierce rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, away from home in the north London derby.

Complicating matters for Arteta is the injury to captain Martin Ødegaard sustained during the international break, alongside the unavailability of Mikel Merino and Declan Rice due to injury and suspension. The manager now faces a tough selection dilemma as he looks to maintain momentum against Spurs.