Mikel Arteta expressed his calm regarding his Arsenal contract, which expires at the end of the upcoming season. He emphasized the need for his team to improve upon last year's performance to successfully defend their title as they gear up to face Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday in Cardiff.

As the Premier League champions, Arsenal aims to secure back-to-back titles for the first time since the 1930s. With the departure of Pep Guardiola from City, Arteta has become the league's longest-serving manager since joining in December 2019.

Having signed a three-year contract extension in September 2024 after finishing as runners-up to City, Arteta was anticipated to negotiate a new deal this summer that would elevate him among the highest-paid managers globally. He reassured fans of his commitment, stating:

"They don’t have to worry about any of that, because I want to be here. I am extremely happy."

When asked about potential contract discussions post-transfer window, Arteta noted the focus remains on strengthening the squad. Arsenal is negotiating with Bayer Leverkusen for Jarell Quansah as cover for William Saliba and Jurriën Timber, and they may seek another attacker if they can offload Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.

Despite missing out on Vinícius Júnior, who opted to extend his contract with Real Madrid, Arteta defended the club's summer strategy. He expressed satisfaction with the current squad and the club's ambition, asserting:

"We need to do it our own way. We have super strengths and we have other areas we need to be very conscious of."

Arteta concluded by emphasizing the team's preparation to elevate their performance, anticipating that other clubs will do the same as they prepare for the new season.