Arsenal's big summer: Will Arteta 'put pen to paper'?

For Arsenal, it is all about the here and now.

The club is potentially seven games from winning a first Premier League in 22 years and within touching distance of the Champions League semi-finals.

Mikel Arteta is on course to come good on his mantra: "Trust the process".

That said, there's no sense that any glory in May would mark the culmination of Arteta's work or ambitions.

The summer is seen as an opportunity for the club to take another step forward, regardless of how the end of this season pans out, but there are some crucial decisions looming, including Arteta's contract which is up at the end of next season.

In the era of the head coach, Arteta is a football manager in the traditional sense. Few enjoy the level of autonomy the Spaniard does. He has earned that power, of course, after improving Arsenal over his tenure.

Silverware - the first since an FA Cup in his first year - will serve to tighten that grip.

It is understood initial discussions have taken place and they are described as heading in a positive direction.

Given the magnitude of what's on the horizon on the pitch, all parties are understood to have agreed this isn't the right time, with the full focus on the season finale.

But sources have indicated that talks will restart in the close season. From an ownership and club perspective, extending Arteta's deal is what they want - and the manager is also keen to commit.

You'd imagine Arteta will be aware that he is unlikely to be afforded the level of influence he currently has at any other club in Europe. Yet, with that said, finances will be a key factor once discussions recommence.

Arteta is understood to want assurances that the club remain committed to providing the level of backing that has kept his team competitive - and there will also be the issue of an upgraded remuneration package.

It is understood the three-year contract Arteta signed in 2024 is worth £10m a season, plus a further £5m triggered by Champions League qualification.

Only the salaries of Pep Guardiola (£20m) and Diego Simeone (£25m) are understood to eclipse Arteta's existing contract in European football.

So if he does put pen to paper, how much closer he gets to Guardiola and Simeone in terms of pay will be a key question.