Photo via @FabrizioRomano on X

What happened: Fabrizio Romano reports Arsenal are planning to offer manager Mikel Arteta a new contract this summer, with the decision made internally back in March. Arteta is described as focused on winning titles but in love with the Arsenal project and open to talks. Per earlier reporting, the plan was set regardless of how the season ended.

Why it matters: Arteta has restored Arsenal to elite status, guiding them back to a Champions League final after a 20-year wait and keeping them in the Premier League title race. Locking him down protects the project from Premier League and European rivals likely to circle if his deal runs down. A long-term extension also signals continuity to players, recruits, and ownership heading into a pivotal summer window.

What to watch: Watch for the formal announcement timing and contract length, with comparisons being drawn to the long-term stability of the Arsène Wenger era. Arsenal's remaining results in the Premier League run-in and the Champions League final could shape the framing of the deal.

Sources