Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts to the match against Wolves (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted he cannot “lie” to his players about their future at the club when discussing new deals for the likes of Bukayo Saka.
Arteta is due to be out of contract at the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2027, but it is not yet entirely clear whether the Spanish tactician will commit his future to the Gunners.
Speaking about this in his latest press conference, Arteta admitted that he could potentially stay beyond his current contract, but I don’t think that’s 100% certain at the moment.
And when asked what this meant for convincing star players like Saka to stay, Arteta made the interesting choice to say he could not “lie” to his players.
Mikel Arteta signs new contract with Arsenal
“Yes (there is a possibility of him staying), but that’s today and a lot has to happen in the next few months to earn the right,” Arteta was quoted as saying by the Metro newspaper.
“I think the manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow. It’s about how you react here, how you speak, how you come in the dressing room, the message you send, how well the players follow you.”
On how that affects the players, he added:
“Am I really happy here? Do I feel I have the energy and can challenge this club? Yes, 100 percent, yes. But I don’t think it’s just about me.”
Mikel Arteta needs trophies to cement Arsenal’s tradition
Few would argue that Arteta has done anything but a great job at Arsenal since taking over in 2019.
| Arteta’s Arsenal record | |
| played | 314 |
| won | 188 |
| drawn | 58 |
| lost | 68 |
It’s easy to forget now that Arsenal were in disarray when Arteta took over, but now, thanks to Arteta, they have become one of the best teams in Europe.
AFC continue to challenge for major titles under Arteta, and now all that remains is the final step of winning a silver medal, which will surely come sooner or later.
