Mikel Arteta Signs New Long-Term Contract With Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has signed a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium, the Premier League title chasers announced on Thursday. The Gunners said in a statement that the 42-year-old Spaniard, who has reportedly agreed a three-year deal, "has been a key figure in re-establishing us as a force back at the top of English and European football". Arteta, who became Arsenal boss in late 2019, said he felt "extremely proud".

"I feel extremely lucky to work every single day with good people and the ambition we have here," he said. 

"I feel very inspired, I feel challenged, I feel supported and I want to do much more than what we've already done together."

Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke said he was delighted with the new deal. "Mikel is a dynamic and passionate manager, who is relentless in the pursuit of excellence," he said. 

"He has a deep understanding of Arsenal's values, and since joining us as head coach, he has taken the team to another level in an Arsenal way."

Arteta, who had been working as an assistant coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, replaced compatriot Unai Emery as Arsenal boss in December 2019. He won the FA Cup in his first season in charge -- his first silverware as a manager.

Arsenal have finished as runners-up to City in the Premier League for the past two seasons. Last term, they went agonisingly close to lifting the trophy for the first time since 2004 before being pipped by City on the last day of the season.

Arteta's men, who face north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday, are currently fourth in the table after two wins and a draw. They begin their Champions League campaign next week against Atalanta.

'Wonderful values'

Arteta, who played 150 times for Arsenal and captained