Mikel Arteta Hints at New Contract Extension as Arsenal Manager Poised for Major Pay Increase

MIKEL ARTETA told Arsenal fans not to worry after virtually confirming he will extend his Emirates contract.

The Gunners boss is into the final 12 months of his deal but will land a pay rise on his £10million-a-year salary.

, who want to tie Arteta down after he led them to Prem glory last season, face in the in Cardiff tomorrow.

Arteta said: “The fans don’t have to worry about any of that, because I want to be here. I am extremely happy.

“I feel very grateful to work with the people that I work with and when we have the possibility, we will resolve that. And that’s it.

“There is always another priority!

“That’s the way we have been treating it because everybody feels comfortable that the time on the contract is not going to be an issue.

“My will, certainly, is to be here and I am very happy here. My feeling from the club’s the same. That’s why everyone is doing things in a really organic way.”

The Gunners are keen to add an attacker but Arteta has been shocked by the big transfer fees this summer, with target joining for £117million.

Asked if he was surprised by the big fees in the window, Arteta said: “Yes. I wouldn’t have bet.

“That’s the market. That means there are clubs happy to invest or they believe that the valuations of those players are that, and that’s fair.”

Arteta refused to discuss Arsenal’s interest in Konsa and Quansah, but gave a positive fitness update ahead of Sunday.

, and Martin Zubimendi all missed Wednesday’s friendly with Como, however they are set to be in the squad to face City.

Arteta said: “They will be available. They will train, and if they are in the condition that we expect them to be, they will be involved.”

Jurrien Timber will miss the game, however, due to a groin issue that has plagued him since March.

The Arsenal boss added: “He is progressing really well, he is on the pitch.

“We are ramping up now with certain actions and especially the volume and the load.

“He is on a good trajectory, but there are still a few weeks to go. William [Saliba], as we all know, it’s more a long-term injury.”