Arteta relaxed over Arsenal contract situation and aims to improve on last season

Mikel Arteta insists he is relaxed about his Arsenal contract situation, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the forthcoming season. According to The Guardian, the Spaniard said supporters “don’t have to worry” and made clear: “I want to be here.”

Arteta’s immediate focus is on the new campaign, starting with Sunday’s Community Shield against Manchester City in Cardiff. The Premier League champions are heavy favourites to retain their title for the first time since the 1930s, and Arteta acknowledged his side will need to be better than last year if they are to defend it successfully.

With Pep Guardiola having left City, Arteta is now the Premier League’s longest-serving manager, having taken charge at Arsenal in December 2019. His future had been a talking point, but the manager’s latest comments suggest no immediate concern over reaching an agreement.

Arsenal will be looking for a strong start this weekend, and highlights of the match will be available on this site after the final whistle. For now, Arteta appears content to let his contract situation resolve itself while keeping his attention on the pitch.