Arteta is Arsenal's summer priority
- Published
With the plumes of red smoke still fresh in the north London air from Sunday's euphoric trophy parade, Arsenal's attention swiftly turns to building on their Premier League title triumph.
The priority for Arsenal this summer is to finalise a new contract with Mikel Arteta, whose current deal expires at the end of next season.
BBC Sport revealed last month that talks over fresh terms were shelved in order for the club to focus on the end of the campaign.
With Arsenal's historic season now over, the process will pick up again during the summer.
Nothing is expected to be finalised before Arteta returns from holiday.
But it is understood that there was positive progress during initial conversations, amid expectation within the Emirates that it is a case of when, not if, the 44-year-old renews.
Despite this, there remains an air of caution at Arsenal, although club officials are fully focused on reaching a final agreement well before the start of next season.
Sources have told BBC Sport the new contract, which is likely to be a minimum of three years, would be worth a major increase on his current wages.
Arteta earns £10m a season, plus a further £5m upon Champions League qualification.
His new contract would make him the highest-paid manager in England following Pep Guardiola's decision to leave Manchester City.
Guardiola's deal was worth a minimum £20m a season. Arteta would move far closer to his compatriot's earning power.
Recently, Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke made clear the club's intention.
"Keeping Mikel around is an utmost priority and I think the good news for Arsenal fans worldwide is he's enjoying the project," said Kroenke.
With that project centred around Arteta's influence, owners Kroenke Sports Entertainment know they will have to commit significant funds to ensure their manager stays on.
And with Arteta's status at an all-time high, the Gunners boss will know his leverage is also at its peak.
