‘I am fully committed to this’: Arteta plays down talks over new Arsenal contract

Mikel Arteta played down speculation over an Arsenal contract extension but insisted he remains fully committed to the club ahead of Saturday’s home game against Bournemouth.

British media reported that the London club held positive initial discussions with Arteta about his current contract, which expires at the end of next season.

It comes after Arsenal’s silverware hopes were reduced from four competitions to two following defeats to Manchester City in the League Cup final and Championship side Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Arsenal secured a 1-0 win over Sporting in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final earlier this week and are also on course for a first Premier League title in 22 years, with 70 points from 31 games at the top, nine ahead of second-placed Manchester City.

When asked about a contract extension, Arteta said his focus remains on the current campaign.

«There is no news about that. We don’t have time to talk about that now,» Arteta told reporters. “The full focus is on what we need to do from here to the end of the season.

«I am fully committed here. I am very happy and feel good. My family is good. I still have so much ambition and things to do at this club. For now we are in a good place.»

Eberechi Eze returned to training on Thursday after recovering from injury, but Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber were among those not involved.

Arteta said striker Eze would be available on Saturday without giving an update on the other absentees.

Arteta also praised opposition manager Andoni Iraola, who has guided Bournemouth to 13th in the standings with 42 points.

“It’s amazing what he has done with the club,” said the Spaniard. “The consistency they’ve shown and the way they’ve done it, with the number of players they’ve sold, they’ve reinvented themselves.”

Published on April 10, 2026