Mikel Arteta speaks at a future at Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has hinted at a future at Arsenal far beyond his current contract, which is set to expire in 18 months. As he prepares for Saturday’s trip to Everton—marking exactly six years since his appointment—the Spaniard emphasized that longevity in North London must be earned through continued excellence.

Since his arrival in 2019, Arteta has evolved from head coach to a powerful manager with sweeping influence over the club’s sporting direction. Under his stewardship, the Gunners have transformed from a side in transition to perennial title contenders, boasting one of the highest win percentages in the Premier League.

Despite the strong backing of the Arsenal board, Arteta remains grounded, insisting that a manager’s right to stay depends entirely on the locker room's response. "The most important one is those players," he remarked, noting that their unwavering "desire to learn" is what truly fuels his passion for the role.

As the 43-year-old enters a pivotal stretch of the season, he remains focused on the daily demands of the job rather than distant negotiations. For Arteta, survival in the elite environment of English football requires a constant balance of strategic support from ownership and the total commitment of his squad.