Mikel Arteta to Discuss New Contract with Arsenal Following Conclusion of Transfer Window

Mikel Arteta is set to have discussions with Arsenal regarding a contract extension after the upcoming transfer window closes. The current agreement between Arteta and the Gunners is set to expire at the end of the season, but the Spanish manager is eager to prolong his stay in north London. Leading up to Arsenal's match against Aston Villa this weekend, Arteta mentioned that his future at the club will be sorted out once the transfer market activities are completed. "Our focus has been on the transfer window. We have had many things to address and talk about. We are working on it and will handle it at the appropriate time," Arteta shared with the media on Friday.

When asked if talks would occur after the transfer window shuts, Arteta replied: "Yeah.

"I am very grateful first of all for where I'm sitting and the people I work with every single day because it's really difficult to find that harmony, trust, belief and alignment in the vision.

"It's something I always mention because I believe we still have an unbelievable time ahead of us. It's very exciting and I am very excited about it."

Arteta is focused on bolstering Arsenal's squad before discussing his own future, but he refused to be drawn on a reported 32 million pound ($41 million) move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.

Amid claims Arsenal are on the verge of signing the Euro 2024 winner, Arteta said: "I cannot talk about any player that's not with us. There's still time in the market.

"Both ways. For all the managers, for all the teams here. You can see it's getting very busy.

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"The full focus is on the players that we have at the moment, the big match we have at Aston Villa and that's all."

Arteta is braced for "surprises" to happen during the final week of the transfer window, which shuts on August 30.

But he said striker Eddie Nketiah would be involved against Aston Villa despite Nottingham Forest being eager to sign the forward.

"I expect Eddie to train with us today. To be prepared for tomorrow. That's it. Whatever happens will happen if it's good for everybody," Arteta said.

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There could also be a chance of Raheem Sterling moving to Arsenal after the 29-year-old was left out of Chelsea's opening Premier League game of the season against Manchester City.

Sterling, who was also left out of England's Euro 2024 squad, worked with Arteta at Manchester City when the Arsenal boss served as Pep Guardiola's assistant.

"I can talk about my time with Raheem. It was exceptional. We built a really strong relationship together," Arteta said.

"He was unbelievable at the time we were together and he taught me a lot as well.

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"About individuals, how they play and how we give them support and help them. He's someone I have a really strong feeling about."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)