Mikel Arteta Addresses Speculation Surrounding New Arsenal Deal as Eberechi Eze Makes Injury Comeback

According to reports from British media, the London side has engaged in encouraging initial discussions with Arteta regarding his current contract, which is set to expire at the conclusion of next season.

This speculation follows Arsenal seeing their aspirations for silverware decrease from four competitions to two, following setbacks against Manchester City in the League Cup final and Championship side Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Earlier this week, Arsenal achieved a 1-0 victory over Sporting in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-finals, and they are also on track to claim their first Premier League title in 22 years, leading the table with 70 points from 31 matches, a nine-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City.

When questioned about a contract extension, Arteta emphasised that his attention is firmly fixed on the current season.

“There’s no news on that front. We simply don’t have the time to discuss it right now,” Arteta stated to the press.

“Our entire focus is on what we need to accomplish from now until the season’s end.

“I am fully committed to this club. I’m genuinely happy and I feel well. My family is settled, and I still have a tremendous amount of ambition and goals to achieve here. For the moment, we are in a strong position.”

Eberechi Eze returned to training on Thursday after overcoming an injury, while Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber were not part of the training session.

Arteta confirmed that forward Eze would be fit for Saturday’s clash but did not provide any updates regarding the other unavailable players.

Arteta also took the opportunity to commend Bournemouth’s manager, Andoni Iraola, who has propelled the club to 13th in the league standings with 42 points.

“What he’s accomplished alongside the club is remarkable,” the Spaniard observed.

“The consistency they’ve exhibited and the way they’ve managed to do it, despite selling a number of players, shows how they have reinvented themselves.