Arsenal and Arteta in Active Contract Talks Despite Mounting Pressure

Fabrizio Romano has put to bed speculation surrounding Mikel Arteta's future, confirming that Arsenal are actively engaged in discussions over a fresh contract for their manager—not plotting his exit.

The Gunners' weekend stumble at Bournemouth, a 2-1 defeat that dented their Premier League ambitions, has fuelled talk among sections of the fanbase that Arteta's days are numbered. Couple that with the Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City and a shock FA Cup exit to Southampton, and you can understand the restlessness creeping in.

Manchester City's demolition of Chelsea—a 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge on Sunday—has tightened the noose at the summit, with Guardiola's outfit now just six points adrift and boasting a game in hand. All eyes will turn to the Etihad this coming Sunday for what many are already billing as the season's defining encounter.

Arsenal's recent form has been patchy, with three defeats in their last four outings across all competitions, prompting some supporters to question whether a change is needed. Reports emerged suggesting Arteta's credit with the board was exhausted and that his position would become untenable should Arsenal fail to claim either the Premier League or Champions League.

However, Romano has revealed a rather different picture. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the transfer guru disclosed that meaningful contract negotiations have been underway since January and February. "Arsenal are in conversation, in active conversation, with Arteta's lawyer already since January and February to discuss a new contract," he explained. "So there are contract talks ongoing between Arsenal and Arteta. But the club and the manager decided together to focus on the pitch first."

The pair have deliberately shelved the nitty-gritty of terms—length, salary, the standard fare—until the summer, preferring to keep matters straightforward while the business of winning trophies takes centre stage. A Champions League quarter-final second leg awaits, along with the Premier League title race to navigate.

"At the end of the season, in the summer, they will restart the conversation," Romano continued. "Length of the contract, salary, all the usual topics when it is about a new deal. So the talks have already started around January and February, and the trust between Arsenal and Arteta remains total."

Not everyone is calling for Arteta's head. Troy Deeney, the former Watford forward, has defended the manager on CBS Sports, pointing out the considerable progress Arsenal have made under his stewardship. "They're not going to sack him because he has moved that club astronomically forward from where it was," Deeney said. "They're always in contention now and being spoken about as one of the best teams in world football, and rightly so."

Deeney also took aim at the fickle nature of some supporters, questioning what alternative exists. "He's top of the league, they're in the Champions League, now it's, 'sack him, get rid of him'. Who are you going to bring in?" he asked. He further highlighted the quality in Arsenal's squad, referencing the attacking options available and questioning whether star signings have delivered in the biggest matches.