Arteta plays down talks regarding new Arsenal contract

London – Mikel Arteta has moved to dampen mounting speculation about a new contract at Arsenal, but the Spaniard underlined his unwavering commitment to the club as the squad prepares for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, the Gunners boss declined to expand on reports linking him with an extension, preferring to keep the focus on the team’s immediate objectives. While the 42-year-old refused to be drawn on personal terms or timelines, he stressed that his “full commitment” to the North London side remains unchanged.

Arsenal enter the weekend looking to build on a positive run of form and consolidate their place in the upper reaches of the table, with Cherries set to provide the next test. Arteta’s current deal is believed to run until the end of the season, but the manager’s priority, for now, appears to be results on the pitch rather than paperwork off it.