Mikel Arteta has pledged his future to Arsenal Football Club.
The Spanish manager, who also captained the Gunners as a player, was in the last year of his previous contract and there were fears that he could depart the Emirates at the end of the 2024-25 season.
But Arteta has now put pen to paper on a new three-year deal with the North London outfit, tying him to the club until 2027.
It is fantastic and significant news for Arsenal as an institution, as they have become a real force in both English and European football since Arteta replaced Unai Emery in late 2019.
So, with the huge update still fresh in the mind, we thought it was only right to have a quick chat with NetBet ambassador and ex-Gunners midfielder Ray Parlour.
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Ray’s Reaction
Parlour told NetBet: “I am delighted to see Arteta has signed a new deal with Arsenal. This is a huge and needed boost for the club during a period where the Gunners are finally competing to win the Premier League again.
“It is clear, Arteta has elevated the squad to a new level and the performances out on the pitch have been excellent – and have improved year on year.
“Arsenal have never been closer to winning the Premier League since 2004 and with Arteta’s long-term commitment now secured, this will only give the club a further boost.
“The players clearly enjoy working under Mikel and it is surely reassuring for them to know that the boss will be the one overseeing their time at the club.
“With the strengthening of the squad in the summer transfer window, it certainly promises to be another good season for Arsenal and hopefully, they can secure a trophy or two at the end of it.
“The North London derby on Sunday promises to be a great game and with injuries to top players on both sides, it gives the chance for squad players to make a name for themselves.
“I am looking forward to seeing Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka link up, as they are key the attacking threats for Arsenal, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes mastering the back line.
North London Derby
So, as Ray mentions, Arteta’s first match after signing a new deal will see him and his Arsenal squad make the short trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Written in the stars, right?
Tottenham have struggled against the Gunners in recent times and have failed to beat them on home soil in the past two seasons.
But Arsenal go into this fixture in a bit of a sticky situation. Captain Martin Odegaard and summer signing Mikel Merino are set to be absent through injury, while Declan Rice is suspended after his red card against Brighton.
Riccardo Calafiori is also a doubt, so the latest edition of the North London Derby will really test Arteta’s ability to adapt without some key men.
Over to you, Mikel…
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