The Gunners fans at alert as Arteta finally breaks silence on his Arsenal future

The Gunners fans are no doubt at alert as Mikel Arteta finally broke silence on his Arsenal future. This is coming amidst the manager’s link with Barcelona. The 42-year-old Arsenal boss has maintained that he is ‘really happy’ at the Emirates. He however, reveals that he is content to wait for discussions on a contract extension as he concentrates on the club’s quest for silverware.

Arteta was swiftly installed as the favourite to take charge at Camp Nou following Xavi’s recent intention to quit his position as Barca boss the end of the season.

The Gunners boss had issued an almost immediate and passionate denial to the speculation. Arteta had insisted on his unwillingness to jump ship and join his boyhood club. This comes despite his long-term Arsenal future yet to be resolved.

Arteta’s existing deal at Arsenal, which was signed towards the end of the 2021/22 season, expires next summer.

Arsenal are challenging for the 2023/2024 title as they currently sit second in the Premier League table. The Gunners are only two points behind leaders Liverpool with nine games to go. They will return to action on Wednesday evening as they play host to  struggling Luton.

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The Gunners are also chasing European glory and next week begin their two-legged Champions League quarter-final with Bayern Munich.

Asked if there was an update on his contract situation, Arteta replied: ‘No, nothing.

‘I am really happy. I still have a year in my contract, that’s a long time in football. The players are happy, the club is happy, no issues.

‘I’m just focusing on the games and winning football matches and that’s the most important thing right now.’

Arteta succeeded fellow Spaniard Unai Emery as Arsenal boss on a three-and-a-half-year contract in December 2019 before agreeing a two-year extension in May 2022.

The 42-year-old suggested out-of-favour goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale could also remain in north London next season amid speculation linking him with top-flight rivals Newcastle.

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England international Ramsdale, who joined the Gunners from Sheffield United in 2021, was ever present in the league last term but has since slipped to second choice behind David Raya.

‘You know I’m not going to comment on those things,’ Arteta said of the transfer speculation involving Newcastle.

‘There is a big reality that Aaron is here (next season) because he’s our player and he’s got a contract.’