Arsenal’s board is preparing to elevate Mikel Arteta into the upper echelons of football’s highest earners through a lucrative contract extension. The proposed deal, as reported by Mail Sport, would significantly boost his current remuneration and place him alongside the game’s elite managerial figures.
The trajectory for Arteta’s pay hike was firmly set after he guided the Gunners to their first English top-flight championship in over two decades. The title was clinched on Tuesday evening when Manchester City were held to a draw by Bournemouth, sparking celebrations at the Emirates.
Arteta’s existing terms were due to expire next summer, but negotiations for a new agreement have reached an advanced stage. His new salary is expected to see a substantial increase, with reports indicating the Arsenal hierarchy is ready to compensate him at a level that reflects his recent success.
Currently, Diego Simeone is recognized as football’s highest-paid manager, earning around £26 million annually at Atletico Madrid. Arteta’s new package is rumored to approach this figure, a massive jump from his current base pay of approximately £10 million per year, plus an additional £5 million for Champions League qualification bonuses.
Pep Guardiola, Arteta’s former mentor at Manchester City, currently earns about £20 million a year. However, with Guardiola set to depart the Etihad this summer, Arteta is poised to become the longest-serving current Premier League manager, a title he will inherit soon.