Arsenal's Kroenke family owners have declared the retention of manager Mikel Arteta a top priority, with a new contract offer set to be made in the wake of the club's first Premier League title in 22 years.
Arteta's current deal is due to run out at the end of next season, but co-chair Josh Kroenke expressed confidence that an extension would be agreed, pointing to the manager's deep connection with the club.
"Keeping Mikel around is [an] utmost priority," said Kroenke. "The good news for Arsenal fans worldwide is he's enjoying the project, he's enjoying being here and, from his time as a player all the way up until now, he's an Arsenal man through and through."
The Premier League triumph represents the centrepiece of a complete transformation at Arsenal under Arteta, who was first appointed as head coach in 2019. The club now have the opportunity to complete an historic double when they face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday.
Josh Kroenke was emphatic in crediting those on the pitch and in the dugout for the success achieved.
"If there is a singular person you can trace this all back to, I'm going to give 100 per cent credit to Mikel, his staff and the players," he said. "As much as Mikel is putting together our tactics, the players have got to go play the games, they've got to go and win for you."
Kroenke also spoke candidly about his personal relationship with Arteta during the more difficult periods of the manager's tenure, describing a commitment to supporting him through challenging spells.
"There are times when Mikel and I have joked, 'Leadership can get pretty lonely,'" he added. "During the tough moments is when I try to be there — letting him and our other people know that it might feel like you're alone at times, but we've got your back."
Emirates Stadium redevelopment in the pipeline
Beyond the contract situation, the Kroenke family — whose portfolio also includes NFL side LA Rams and NBA outfit Denver Nuggets — confirmed plans to renovate and expand the Emirates Stadium, which has a current capacity of 60,704.
The owners have prior experience in large-scale stadium projects, having overseen the construction of SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, home to LA Rams and LA Chargers, which opened in 2020.
Arsenal's chief executive officer Richard Garlick is leading the redevelopment discussions, with several new board members who manage similar operations in the United States also involved in drawing up plans.
"We're starting these exercises with some of our advisers," said Kroenke. "The Emirates has been an amazing stadium for us. But there's some character that I want to make sure we're preserving and bringing back to the ground. I think we can do that in a very elegant manner that's really to the benefit of Arsenal."
Kroenke added that the aim is to deliver an improved matchday experience for supporters, drawing on the ownership group's experience with stadium development in the United States.
