Arsenal have put discussions over Mikel Arteta’s new contract on a halt to avoid distraction from their English Premier League title race.
The Spaniard has had a significant impact at the Emirates Stadium and has put the Gunners squarely in the running to win the Premier League title at the end of the current campaign.
Despite this, he only has two years left on his present deal with North London, so his future appears to be a little unclear.
There are presently no intentions to continue that agreement.
Reports state that the negotiations for a new contract have been suspended to allow Arsenal to concentrate on their efforts to win the title at the end of the season.
Before his team’s match against West Ham, the Spaniard was asked if there was any update on a new contract. He responded, “No. Now is the right time to concentrate on getting what we want by winning as many games as we can.
While Arteta appears to be resolved for the time being, the absence of contract renewal discussions puts Arsenal in a risky situation.
In their pursuit of the Premier League, Arsenal are fully aware that they can’t afford to squander many more points this season after Manchester City defeated Leicester 3-1 and the Gunners drew 2-2 with West Ham United.
It has been reported that his old team Paris Saint-Germain is considering making him Christophe Galtier’s possible replacement.
Arteta’s work at Arsenal has impressed President Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
After Mauricio Pochettino was replaced, Galtier had a disappointing first season in charge, which has put him under pressure at Parc des Princes.
They lost early in the UEFA Champions League and the Coupe de France despite being on course to win another Ligue 1 title this season.
If PSG want to entice Arteta back to the French capital, they will undoubtedly have to shell out a sizable sum of money.
He (Arteta) only signed a new contract less than a year ago, the agreement came with a significant wage raise.
At the Emirates Stadium, the Spaniard reportedly makes about £8.3 million a year.
Arteta previously played for PSG for a season and a half at the beginning of his playing career.
Before moving to Rangers in 2002, he earned 53 appearances for the French powerhouses while on loan from Barcelona.
Arteta won the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2001 as the only title he won while playing for PSG.
Interestingly, Arteta has also been linked with Real Madrid, so there will be no shortage of admirers considering his turnaround at Arsenal.
The 41-year-old, Arteta is also a long-term target for Barcelona, where he played at the youth level, and Manchester City, where he began his coaching career.
What’s next for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal?
The Gunners will be in action in the English Premier League against Southampton on Friday, the 21st of April, and they will be looking to get back to winning ways after they dropped a point against West Ham United.
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