Arsenal: Mikel Arteta’s new contract ‘absolutely’ deserved, Jamie Redknapp says

Jamie Redknapp believes Mikel Arteta’s new contract at Arsenal is ‘absolutely’ deserved, and claims that it would be an ‘amazing achievement’ for his young side to clinch a spot in the Champions League for next season.

Boss Arteta put pen to paper on a new three-year deal at the Emirates during the week, fresh terms that keep him at the club until the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Reacting to the announcement, the Spaniard vowed that he would take the team to the ‘next level’ and stressed the importance of sealing a spot at Europe’s top table.

The young, in-form Gunners are on course to clinch a Champions League place this season

And with this season winding down to a dramatic conclusion, the Gunners hold the advantage over north London rivals Tottenham, with the gap currently four points.

Redknapp has hailed Arteta’s project, and says they are working ahead of schedule. 

Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: ‘I said it last week, if they get top four ahead of Spurs… when Antonio Conte took over there was a two-point gap between them. 

Arteta put pen to paper on a new three-year deal which will keep him at the Emirates until 2025

‘Now it’s three and Arsenal have got a game in hand. I think he’s (Arteta) done a great job, an incredible job under a lot of pressure. 

‘I remember the start of the season. There was talk about whether he would lose his job. But he’s managed it perfectly, bringing young players through. 

‘I would say they’re a year ahead of schedule. If they get top four it would be an amazing achievement for him.’ 

Arteta revealed that he was offered the contract following Arsenal’s recent run of three successive defeats, a sign of strong backing for their manager. 

Pundit Redknapp believes the flourishing Arsenal project is already a year ahead of schedule

The likes of Eddie Nketiah (C) and Martin Odegaard (R) have stepped up in the top-four chase

The deal has been described as ‘incentivised’, and the 40-year-old will earn a rise on his previous salary of around £5million-a-year on his previous terms.

‘The club offered me the new contract when we lost three matches and that shows the belief that they have in myself and the coaching staff and what we are doing,’ he said, praising the support from the Gunners’ hierarchy.

‘I just said these guys are serious and they are committed so I’d better push forward. 

‘The people that we have now owning this club and leading this club, I haven’t ever seen it and I just got emotional when I saw it.’