There’s no doubt that Arsenal are heading in the right direction under Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners finished eighth in the Spaniard’s first full season at the Emirates Stadium, prompting debate over whether he should be allowed stay in North London.
Arteta, who won an FA Cup in his first half-a-season in football management, has Arsenal playing much better this time around, however.
The Emirates outfit are two points behind fourth-placed West Ham United with two Premier League matches in hand.
There’s every chance that Arsenal will be back in the Champions League come May, for the first time since 2016.
And the Londoners’ hierarchy are reportedly about to make a smart decision.
Intelligent
According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal’s hierarchy are set to extend the 39-year-old’s contract – and give him a pay raise.
Arteta, who earns £5 million per year at the moment, is only contracted to the club until 2023.
This is a very wise decision because if Arteta does lead Arsenal back into the Champions League, having already won an FA Cup, then he’ll be looked at as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Remember, Arteta spent a number of years as Guardiola’s assistant at Eastlands and the better he does in North London, the better the chance that City make him a candidate.
And with the Citizens being substantially richer than Arsenal, a financial boost included in the new potential new contract is absolutely essential.
Arteta clearly has a project at the Emirates and this contract is a good show of commitment that his bosses are willing to let him see it through.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
