“That’s the only objective”- Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta opens up on his goal at the Emirates following his contract extension 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared his thoughts after extending his contract at the club. The Gunners announced on Thursday (September 12) that the Spaniard has signed a new deal, which will run until 2027.

Arteta was appointed the manager of the north London side in December 2019 after the sacking of Unai Emery. He's won the FA Cup and two FA Community Shields so far. He also helped his side challenge for the Premier League title in the last two seasons but they fell short against Manchester City both times.

Arsenal are now set to face arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur away in the North London Derby in the Premier League on Sunday, September 15. In a pre-match press conference, Arteta was asked about his new contract and he answered (via Arsenal.com):

"I'm really happy, really excited. I think it shows the alignment between the club and myself and the coaching staff that we're on this journey together and we enjoy working together. Now we have much higher ambitions and we want to fulfill them, so that’s the way that I look at it. As I said, I’m really pleased and grateful as well."

Arteta was also asked if he's looking to build a legacy at the club like legendary manager Arsene Wenger. He answered:

"Hopefully yes, but you’re talking about the best in the history of football, certainly in this country. My aim and motivation is to be the best version of myself, the best coach in the world ever for Arsenal. What the club needs, what those players need, what we need as a team to keep developing and achieve what we want - that’s the only objective."

The Gunners are the first senior club Arteta has managed, having previously worked as an assistant manager at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.

---

Arsenal injury update ahead of the big clash against Tottenham

The Gunners are having to deal with a number of injury issues ahead of the North London Derby on Sunday. New signing Mikel Merino is out, having suffered a shoulder injury during a training session. He has yet to make an appearance for Arsenal since arriving from Real Sociedad in the summer.

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Gabriel Jesus is likely to be back for the Tottenham clash, having missed the previous two games. Riccardo Calafiori will be assessed after suffering a knock on international duty with Italy. Arteta also refused to rule out captain Martin Odegaard from the clash, saying:

"Players with 48 hours to go are always available but let's see what happens."

Meanwhile, Declan Rice is suspended for the game after his sending-off against Brighton & Hove Albion. On the positive front, it will be Raheem Sterling's first game for the Gunners since arriving on loan from Chelsea this summer.