Arsenal: Mikel Arteta reveals stance on contract renewal as players continue to extend deals | OneFootball

Gunners boss marks six years in the job this weekend

The Spaniard took charge of the Gunners six years ago this weekend, an anniversary he will mark with a trip to face Everton.

Arsenal finished eighth in both of Arteta's first two seasons in charge, but he has since transformed them into regular title contenders.

Arteta will soon enter the final 18 months of a contract that expires in the summer of 2027 and manager speculation has picked up this week.

Reports have suggested that Manchester City are lining up potential replacements for Pep Guardiola at the end of the season and Chelsea's Enzo Maresca is one of those on the shortlist.

Quizzed on whether he could imagine signing another deal at Arsenal, Arteta was keen to point out that would not be a decision only for him to make.

“Yes, but it is about today," he said.

"A lot of things have to happen in the next few months, as well, to earn the right. I think the manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow.

“That is how you react, how you talk here, how you go in the dressing room, the message that you send, how much the players follow you.

Mikel Arteta watched his first match as Arsenal head coach from the stands at Goodison Park

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

"I always said that you need support, I said it before. From the ownership and the board, it’s great. At the end, the most important one is those players.

"You open that door, you confront them, you talk to them and they are like this (mimes being open-mouthed) or they are like this (mimes sleeping).

"And for six years, I have seen just players with a level of attention and desire to learn, and give the maximum to the team. That is what keeps me in this job. Nothing else.

"And, obviously, winning a lot of football matches that, percentage-wise, I think is quite high. That is the only way. If not, you cannot survive in this environment."

Gabriel and William Saliba are among the Arsenal players to have signed new long-term deals this year.

Talks are ongoing with Bukayo Saka too, while Jurrien Timber is another understood to be in discussions over committing his future to the club.

Gabriel and William Saliba are among the Arsenal stars to have signed new deals recently

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arteta revealed his own future has come up when talking to players about contract extensions.

He has been unable to provide a clear answer, but the Arsenal boss is confident players want to be at the club regardless.

“They do ask me but I cannot lie to them. I don't know, it is something that does not depend on me," Arteta said.

"Are you really happy here? Do you feel that you have the energy and you feel you can take this club? Yes. 100 per cent, yes.

“But I think it does not depend only on me. And they have to make a decision based on what they feel about it.

"And again, that is another sign when you sit with a player and he is talking to you in those terms and they really want to stay and they don't want to list to another options.

"That is a good sign as it means the clubs looks after them in the right way and they believe that this is the right club for them to achieve the goals they want in their life."