Arsenal have secured their future by handing Mikel Arteta a fresh contract to remain their manager until 2027 in what is a well-timed boost just days before they play bitter rivals Tottenham.
After two consecutive second-place Premier League finishes under his guidance, Arteta's previous deal was winding down and was due to expire next summer.
However, the Spaniard has now committed to a three-year extension which will cement his position in north London for the foreseeable future, per The Athletic. Since taking over from Unai Emery during the 2019-20 campaign, Arteta has steered Arsenal back into Premier League contention.
The north Londoners have made an undefeated start to the new season by winning two and drawing one of their opening fixtures, after a recent stalemate against Brighton.
This confirmation of Arteta's commitment comes just days before a high-stakes north London derby with Tottenham looming. Arsenal are hoping to repeat, or even improve upon, last year's four-point haul against their fierce rivals.
They head into the clash missing some vital squad members, with Declan Rice suspended and Martin Odegaard sidelined due to injury.
Back in August, Arteta had already addressed concerns over his Arsenal tenure by stating: "I don't think anybody has to panic. We have done it in the past and it has never been an issue - and I don't expect that to happen.
"We are on it and we will take care of that in the right moment. The focus has been on the transfer window. We had quite a lot of things to do and discuss.
"I'm in the place where I want to be and am really happy - hopefully the club thinks the same thing.
"I work with the players every day and when I am talking to them, having discussions and planning things, you sense in their eyes that belief and hunger is still there."
As speculation swirls around the managerial futures of some of the Premier League's top managers, Arteta remains focused on his vision for Arsenal.
The departure of Jurgen Klopp from Liverpool last summer and the uncertainty over Pep Guardiola's long-term commitment to Manchester City have put the spotlight on managerial tenures.
Guardiola, who has been with City for a significant period, reflected on his journey in January: "Next year will be nine seasons, which is a lot of time.
"Extending after two years is not the same as extending after nine. We have a lot of time [to decide]. But now I feel really good."
Guardiola said he was "closer to leaving than staying" but later added: "When I'm leaving, I will say I'm leaving. But I didn't say it," adding, "I will not rule it out absolutely to extend the contract. I just want to be sure it's the right decision, not just for me, for the club."