Arsenal co-owner Josh Kroenke has declared that securing a new contract for manager Mikel Arteta is the club's top priority, with the north London side preparing for their UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Kroenke's statement underlines just how central Arteta has become to Arsenal's ambitions — the Spaniard has led the club from mid-table obscurity back to the summit of English football and, now, to the brink of European glory.

Extending Arteta's deal is seen by the club's ownership as essential to protecting everything Arsenal have built under his tenure, as they stand one match away from lifting the most coveted trophy in club football.