Mikel Arteta makes Arsenal contract decision after exit offer

10 Sept 2026 10:42 BST | 3 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was reportedly offered the chance to leave the club this summer amid interest from Saudi Pro League sides Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr.

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The 44-year-old is regarded as one of the best managers in world football following a stellar stint at the Emirates Stadium and it’s understood that he is in contract extension talks with the Gunners hierarchy.

However, Arteta was approached by both Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr over the summer, as per TEAMtalk, with the Spaniard opting to reject interest from Saudi Arabia in favour of remaining at Arsenal.

It’s reported that Arteta had no interest in leaving the north London giants this summer, with the Gunners boss instead focusing on extending his stay at the club following their first Premier League title since 2004 last season.

After being turned down by Arteta, Al-Nassr hired former Celtic, Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou as their new head coach, while Al-Ittihad appointed Jens Wissing.

Arteta, meanwhile, is close to finalising a new contract at the Emirates Stadium, with the Spaniard’s extended deal expected to be formally announced shortly following lengthy talks with the club’s hierarchy.

However, TEAMtalk claim that Barcelona believe they will be able to lure Arteta to Camp Nou in the future, despite their faith in current boss Hansi Flick.

© IMAGO - Mikel Arteta is set to sign a new contract at Arsenal

Arsenal in advanced contract negotiations

In addition to Arteta, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is also in advanced contract talks with Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber as the Gunners look to tie the trio down to extended deals.

All three players are currently out of contract in 2028 and Arsenal are keen to secure their futures by finalising extensions in order to ward off any suitors from across Europe.

It’s understood that talks are progressing well, with the trio widely expected to put pen to paper on new deals before the end of the calendar year.

Arsenal have recently secured the futures of players such as David Raya, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, and they have now turned their attention to Rice, Odegaard and Timber as they look to continue their progression towards a first ever Champions League trophy.