Arsenal to offer Mikel Arteta deal worth $34m a year, matching Simeone if agreed
Arsenal are reportedly preparing a contract extension for Mikel Arteta worth around $34m per year, a move that would tie him with Diego Simeone as the world's highest-paid manager.
Arsenal are reportedly preparing a massive contract extension for manager Mikel Arteta that would pay him approximately $34 million per year, a deal that — if finalised — would put him level with Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone as the world’s highest-paid coach. The report says the club plans to hold formal talks over the extension after the Champions League final on May 30.
Why it matters
Rewarding Arteta with this level of pay would mark a significant financial statement by Arsenal’s hierarchy following the Spaniard’s role in guiding the club to their fourth Premier League title and ending a 22-year league drought. According to the report, the move aims to secure long-term stability at the club and mirror the continuity Arsène Wenger enjoyed during his long spell in charge.
What the report says
World Soccer Talk’s summary cites a Guardian report and reference to industry sources. It says Arsenal ready a contract that closely mirrors Diego Simeone’s reported €30m (about $34m) per year package. The report adds that formal negotiations are planned to take place after the Champions League final at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna, and that discussions have been in the club’s planning since February.
Context: Arteta’s position and wider managerial pay landscape
The reported figure would exceed current Premier League benchmarks for managerial pay. The report notes Pep Guardiola has been cited at around $27m per year at Manchester City, and that a $34m package would make Arteta the highest-paid manager in Premier League history if completed. The timing follows Arsenal’s title-winning season under Arteta and comes as the club prepares for the Champions League final.
The summary also quotes commentary that Arsenal’s recruitment team is already planning for next season, preparing a shortlist of targets should Arteta remain in charge.
Reported recruitment targets named in the summary
- Eli Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth) listed as a primary target.
- Julian Álvarez (Atlético Madrid) named among targets.
- Bradley Barcola (PSG) reportedly on the shortlist.
- Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao) and Anthony Gordon (Newcastle) also mentioned.
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG) described as a long-term dream signing but viewed as unlikely.
Limits of the current reports
The information in this article is drawn from a single aggregated report referenced by World Soccer Talk that cites The Guardian and public commentary. The summary indicates talks are planned but does not confirm a signed contract, the official length of any proposed deal, or any formal announcement from Arsenal. Those details require confirmation from Arsenal or other primary sources before the story can be treated as definitive.
What happens next
According to the report, Arsenal intend to begin formal contract discussions with Arteta after the Champions League final on May 30. Until the club issues a statement or the manager signs, the $34m figure should be treated as reported rather than confirmed. Independent verification of any contract offer, the exact salary, and contract length will determine whether Arteta officially joins Simeone at that salary level.