Arsenal close to new contract with Mikel Arteta

Arsenal are hopeful of finalising a new contract with Mikel Arteta shortly, as the current agreement with the Spanish manager runs out next summer.

Richard Garlick, the Gunners' chief executive, confirmed to Sky Sports News that talks have been progressing well for several months.

We are very pleased with how the process is moving forward. The discussions have been constructive and have been ongoing for several months. He wants to stay at the club, and we want him to stay. I’m confident a resolution will be found sooner rather than later.

Garlick added that Arsenal are also focused on the closing weeks of the transfer window, after which they hope to wrap up negotiations with Arteta as quickly as possible.