Mikel Arteta signs bumper new Arsenal contract as he is rewarded after leading club to verge of Champions League return

MIKEL ARTETA has signed a new long-term £8.3million-a-year contract at Arsenal until 2025 with the club on the brink of qualifying for the Champions League.

The 40-year-old, who was on a £6m yearly salary after taking charge in December 2019, had been tied down at the Emirates until 2023.

But with Arsenal sitting in fourth spot with four games to go, the club have rewarded him with a bumper new contract.

Speaking of his joy, Arteta has declared he aims to take his side "to the next level" as he eyes up a busy summer of recruitment.

He told : "I’m excited, grateful and really, really happy today.

"When I spoke to Josh [Kroenke] he could see the club at the same point and he wanted to take the club the way I wanted to do it.

"So everything that he’s said, and that Stan [Kroenke] has said when I’ve been together with both of them, they’ve always delivered.

“We want to take the club to the next level and to compete really with the top teams. In order to do that, we have to be playing in the Champions League.

"We have to be able to evolve the team, improve our players, improve all departments, generate even more connection with our fans, improve the atmosphere at the Emirates, be able to recruit top, top talent and the best people for this club to drive this project to that level.”

Arsenal sit two points above North London rivals Tottenham ahead of their trip to Spurs next week in what will prove crucial in the race for top four.

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As well as Arteta, Women's boss Jonas Eidevall has also penned a long-term contract at the Emirates until 2024.

In his first season in England, Eidevall has spearheaded a title charge, with the club a point behind Women's Super League leaders Chelsea going into the final weekend.

Commenting on the news, non-executive director Stan Kroenke remarked: "My father and I are delighted to have extended both Mikel’s and Jonas’ contracts.

"It provides stability and clarity for the future and helps us all move forward together effectively.

“Mikel’s commitment and passion are clear for everyone to see. We are confident that as we move forward, he will get us back to competing for the top trophies in the game. 

“Turning to Jonas, he has had a fantastic start to his career in England. He has done a terrific job with the team, and we are in contention for the title on the last weekend.

"We are confident that he will continue to take us forward in the years ahead.”

Technical director Edu added: "I think the timing is perfect. I really believe the message will be a big lift to everyone. To the fans, to the club, to the players, to Mikel.

“It’s important to show everyone where we want to go as a club. We are going to face a big summer again and it’s important to have our manager here."