Arsenal: 3 reasons to give Mikel Arteta a new contract

There really isn’t much debate about this anymore, is there? As Arsenal prepare for the final ten matches of the Premier League season, focus is slowly being shifted towards what will follow.

In Mikel Arteta’s mind that won’t be of great concern to him. As he has done throughout the Gunners’ pursuit of the top four, stressing the importance of taking one game at a time and basking in no plaudits has been rule number one.

Some plans towards player recruitment in the summer and the renewal of contracts to key stars will have had some thought, of course, but when it comes to his own future he will be happy to let that take a backseat.

Under contract until 2023, there is already plenty of speculation surrounding the preparation of a new deal, one that will see him tied down for a further three years, with around a 60% pay rise.

3 reasons to Arsenal to give Mikel Arteta a new contract with new three-year deal being readied along with pay rise

Should it wait until the summer? If asked this question a few months ago the answer probably would have been yes. What if Arsenal don’t even finish in the Premier League top six this season and the club have just given Arteta another three years at the helm?

There is that.

But on the other hand, there is little reason not to get his signature penned on fresh terms. It’s been one hell of a journey already in just a few years, and it should be allowed to continue, regardless of top four.

While it could all still blow up, the case for Arteta getting a new contract is a solid one.

1. Mikel Arteta Keeps Improving

Arteta has made mistakes throughout his time at the club. A lot of mistakes. Some still cut deep and others required therapy to quieten, but he is learning is craft and, crucially, it’s clear he’s developing as a coach and as a manager.

There are still faults to his management, such as his handling of a big squad and the constant flip-flopping of his opinion on certain players. Some elements he may never perfect. What he is improving on, though, is his in-game management, meritocratic nature, and flexibility. Most aspects, in fact.

Willian was allowed to be dreadful for too long. Substitutions were too late in being made. Tactical deficiencies would play out for weeks on end with Arteta refusing to budge on that which was impacting results and performances.

Having committed to a first-time manager, one who would have all the teething issues and more in a job that not only is his first, but is also one of gigantic stature, was in a state of disarray and became increasingly tough amid a global pandemic, to move away from him now would be bizarre strategy.

It’s a bit like a reverse Marilyn Monroe: “if you can handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell do deserve me at my best.”

Something like that, anyway.

Trudging through the mediocrity of mid-table to where Arsenal are now, Arteta keeps fine-tuning his coaching and management, appears more comfortable in the role and is proving himself to be highly skilled modern coach with sustainable and clear style of play.

And, he’s only getting better.

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