Mikel Arteta contract talks on hold amid Arsenal title pursuit

Mikel Arteta has put an hold to discussions over his next contract until the end of the season as he aims to achieve Arsenal’s objectives this season.

Arteta’s three-year deal is up for renewal in 2027 and both the Spaniard and the club are understood to be keen for him to extend his six-and-a-half year stay, regardless of what happens between now and the summer.

The Gunners have the chance to increase their Premier League lead over Manchester City to 12 points when they entertain Bournemouth in Saturday’s lunch-time kick-off.

Arsenal are also on the brink of the Champions League semifinals following a last-gasp 1-0 win in the first leg of their last-eight match at Sporting Lisbon.

Quizzed about his future, Arteta svvaid: “There’s no news on that.

“We have no time to discuss that now. The full focus is on what we have to do from here until the end of the season.

“I am fully committed and really happy and I feel good. My family is good and I still have so much ambition to do with this football club, and for now we are in a good place.

“This job is about the present and what you do on the day. Give your very best and feel that you are the person that can lead and inspire the group to achieve great things for the club.

“And I feel that way and hopefully I will feel that way for the rest of the week, and with a great outcome at the end of the season.”

Mikel Arteta applauds the fans after Arsenal’s victory over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal are gunning a first league title in 22 years and a victory against Bournemouth at the Emirates would firmly place the pressure on Manchester City who face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

“Obviously, the closer we get, the relevance and importance of the match increases and tomorrow is a big day for us,” Arteta added.

“The players know it and our supporters know it. It’s an early kick-off, so get up early, have an early breakfast, bring your lunch, bring your dinner and let’s all go together for it because it has to be a big day.”

Arteta has been boosted by the return of Eberechi Eze who has been sidelined for a month with a calf problem. With the fitness of captain Martin Odegaard still in doubt, Eze could start against the Cherries.