Arsenal: Josh Kroenke issues update on new Mikel Arteta contract after title win | OneFootball

Gunners’ title-winning manager is "an Arsenal man through and through"

Arteta has led Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years and now has the chance to make history in Budapest this weekend.

The Gunners take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, a competition they have never won. In their only previous final appearance, Arsenal were beaten by Barcelona in 2006.

The good news for Arsenal fans worldwide is he’s enjoying the project ... he’s an Arsenal man through and through

Josh Kroenke

“If there is a singular person you can trace this all back to, I’m going to give 100 per cent credit to Mikel, his staff and the players," Kroenke said.

"Those are the ones. As much as Mikel is putting together our tactics, the players have got to go play the games, they’ve got to go and win for you.

"Keeping Mikel around is [an] utmost priority and I think the good news for Arsenal fans worldwide is he’s enjoying the project, he’s enjoying being here and from his time as a player all the way up until now, he’s an Arsenal man through and through."

Though not as pressing a concern, there are also discussions taking place over a potential renovation of the Emirates Stadium.

It is 20 years since the Gunners moved in after leaving Highbury and ticket demand has led to the club considering options to expand the capacity.

The Kroenkes own several sports teams in America. The LA Rams are one of those and play at SoFi Stadium, a multi-billion dollar venue opened in 2020.

Kroenke said he is "very proud" of that stadium and various options are now on the table for the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta with, Josh Kroenke and Arsenal director Ben Winston

Getty

However, the Arsenal ownership want any revamp to the stadium to maintain a connection with the club's past.

“Rich Garlick [chief executive officer] is leading those conversations on our end right now," Kroenke said.

"We have several new members of the board that are plugged into that, that do those operations for us in the States. They’re putting together a plan right now to renovate the Emirates.

"I can’t believe it’s been 20 years. My only regret being in my position at Arsenal right now is I never got to experience Highbury.

"We’re starting these exercises with some of our advisers but the Emirates has been an amazing stadium for us. I think we took it to a different level this year. I think that’s credit to Mikel and those players.

"But there’s some character that I want to make sure we’re preserving and bringing back to the ground as well. I think we can do that in a very elegant manner that’s really to the benefit of Arsenal.