Mikel Arteta has reportedly agreed to a new long-term contract with Arsenal, bringing an important development in the club’s plans for the future.

According to reports emerging on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Arsenal manager has reached an agreement in principle with the club over a new deal. The agreement is expected to include a significant pay rise for Arteta, while also maintaining his influential position within the club.

The development represents a major step forward in negotiations that have been ongoing for some time. Arteta’s existing contract was approaching its final stages, making his future one of the key issues surrounding Arsenal.

Arteta Set to Continue at Arsenal

Arteta has been Arsenal manager since December 2019, when he succeeded Unai Emery. Since then, he has overseen a major transformation of the club, including the development of a younger squad and a return to sustained competition near the top of English football.

The reported agreement means Arsenal are now preparing for the formal stages of the contract process. While the terms have reportedly been verbally agreed, the final paperwork and official announcement still need to be completed.

This distinction is important. A verbal agreement means the principal terms have been settled between the parties, but it is not necessarily the same as a completed and formally signed contract.

Pay Rise Included in New Agreement

One of the reported features of the new contract is an improved salary for Arteta.

The Arsenal manager is expected to receive a significant pay rise as part of the new long-term agreement. The increase would reflect his growing importance to the club and his expanded responsibilities within Arsenal’s football structure.

However, the exact financial details of the agreement have not been officially released by Arsenal.

Until the club formally announces the new contract, figures circulating in the media should therefore be treated as reports rather than confirmed contractual information.

Arteta’s Role in Transfers

Another notable aspect of the reported agreement concerns Arteta’s involvement in Arsenal’s transfer strategy.

Reports indicate that Arteta will remain a key figure in coordinating recruitment and transfer decisions. His influence over squad building has grown considerably during his time at the Emirates Stadium, with the manager working alongside the club’s sporting and recruitment departments.

The role does not necessarily mean that Arteta will have complete control over transfers. Arsenal operate through a broader football structure involving senior executives, recruitment staff, scouts and sporting personnel.

Instead, the reported arrangement suggests that Arteta will continue to have a significant voice in determining the type of players Arsenal pursue and how new signings fit into the team’s sporting plans.

Why the New Contract Matters

Keeping Arteta on a long-term contract provides continuity for Arsenal as the club continues to compete domestically and in Europe.

The manager has been central to Arsenal’s recent project, particularly in developing a squad capable of challenging for major honours. His continued presence also means the club can maintain a consistent tactical and recruitment philosophy rather than having to begin another managerial transition.

For Arteta, the new agreement would represent further confirmation of the club’s confidence in his leadership.

The reported deal also comes at a time when expectations around Arsenal remain high. The club has invested heavily in its playing squad and infrastructure, while supporters continue to expect progress in the Premier League and Champions League.

What Happens Next?

The next stage is expected to involve the completion of the formal contractual process.

Although the agreement has reportedly been reached verbally, Arsenal still need to complete the necessary paperwork before the new contract can be formally announced.

Until that happens, the safest description is that Arteta and Arsenal have reached a verbal agreement on a new long-term deal, rather than saying the contract has already been officially signed.

The final announcement could provide more details about the length of the contract, Arteta’s revised salary and his responsibilities within Arsenal’s football structure.

Arsenal and Arteta Looking Ahead

The reported agreement signals Arsenal’s intention to continue with Arteta at the centre of their long-term project.

Since taking charge in 2019, Arteta has helped establish a clear footballing identity at the club and has played an important role in shaping the squad. His continued involvement in recruitment and squad planning could therefore remain a major part of Arsenal’s strategy moving forward.

For now, the key takeaway is straightforward: Mikel Arteta has reportedly agreed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, including a pay rise, with formal steps still to be completed.

The agreement has moved beyond the negotiation stage, but supporters will likely wait for the official announcement before considering the new contract fully completed.

In short: verbally agreed — yes. Officially signed and announced — formal steps are still expected.