Mikel Arteta is set to renew his Arsenal contract, with Hand of Arsenal reporting past Madrid interest and Berta’s role.
Mikel Arteta is on course to extend his stay at Arsenal, with Hand of Arsenal telling Arsenal Roundtable that the club are now moving towards finalising a new contract for the title-winning manager upon his return from holidays.
Arsenal approached Arteta earlier this year over fresh terms, but the 44-year-old wanted to keep the focus on delivering major silverware before sorting his own future. With the Premier League title now secured, the agreement is understood to be close, with the new deal expected to run for a minimum of three years.
Figures inside Arsenal are understood to be treating the agreement as effectively concluded, with the club hoping to finalise the remaining details of what is viewed internally as the most important contract at the Emirates Stadium, Roundtable has been told.
The new contract is expected to keep Arteta at the Emirates for at least three more years.
Arteta may be on holiday, but he is still involved in Arsenal’s transfer business, working closely with Andrea Berta and the recruitment team as plans for next season take shape.
His relationship with Berta, the structure now being built behind the scenes, and the club’s ongoing recruitment plans are all moving in the same direction.
Hand of Arsenal has also told Arsenal Roundtable that Enrique Riquelme explored the possibility of bringing Arteta to Madrid had he won a presidential election.
Madrid’s interest could have added a complication, but Arsenal have always felt in control. Arteta’s commitment, the squad he has built and the chance to defend the title have left the club confident he will stay.
There is also further context around the football operation now working behind him.
Berta’s contract at Arsenal runs until 2028. Senior figures from Saudi Arabia have sounded out whether he could be tempted to the Middle East, while Bayern Munich have also checked on his situation.
Berta remains central to Arsenal’s plans.
Berta was brought in to strengthen the football structure around Arteta, and together they have already delivered a title-winning squad. Roundtable understands from Hand of Arsenal that Berta promised Arteta last summer he would build a group capable of winning major trophies. That goal has been met in England, with the Champions League now the next step.
The work behind the scenes is not limited to Berta.
Maurizio Micheli is also becoming a key figure in Arsenal’s recruitment. He is well regarded in European scouting circles, having helped identify players such as Marek Hamsik, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Kim Min-jae, and Christos Tzolis.
Micheli’s authority within Arsenal and his wider respect in football should not be underestimated. According to Hand of Arsenal, one recent example occurred in discussions with a player's representatives, where Micheli is understood to have been the figure leading the talks without Berta present.
It all points to a broader recruitment structure at Arsenal, rather than decisions being made by just one person.
Arsenal have also made changes at youth level, setting aside a dedicated transfer budget to revamp their academy and development pathway.
The sense is of a club working to protect and strengthen the structure that brought the Premier League title. Arteta remains at the centre, but Berta and Micheli are now vital to the operation around him.
Securing Arteta’s contract is the priority, as everything else follows from it. Arsenal have built around him for years, stood by him through tough spells and are now seeing the rewards.
The next step is to ensure Arteta stays in charge for what comes next.
Renewing Arteta’s deal would give Arsenal stability at the top, clarity in the transfer market and the continuity needed before a season where expectations are only rising.
The wheels are now believed to be firmly in motion at Arsenal.
