Mikel Arteta
The perception of Arsenal’s transfer window varies depending on who you speak to – but there will be no disagreement from anyone at the Emirates Stadium over how crucial their next expected signing will be.
With the market closed until January, the club are now in the process of finalising an agreement with manager Mikel Arteta over his protracted new contract.
Well-placed sources indicate those discussions have moved forward recently amid full confidence from those involved in talks that the Spaniard will renew.
Indeed, Arteta moved unequivocally last month to remove any lingering doubt over his future: “Everybody feels comfortable that the timing of the contract is not going to be an issue because my will certainly is to be here and I’m very happy here.
“My feeling from the club is the same one. That’s why everyone is doing things in a very organic way.”
Similarly, Arsenal’s chief executive Richard Garlick has said it was merely a “matter of time” before Arteta’s new long-term deal was confirmed.
Arteta can expect to become one of the best paid managers in world football once his new contract is signed – Arsenal committed to significantly improving on his current deal, worth £10 million a season plus an extra £5 million upon Champions League qualification.