Agbonlahor swipes at Arsenal chiefs after ‘ridiculous’ Arteta update
It would be “ridiculous” for Arsenal to give Mikel Arteta a new contract before a top-four finish is secured, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England forward claimed the Gunners may even finish as low as eighth this season.
The Daily Mail reported on Friday (21 January) club chiefs want to offer Arteta a new deal before the end of the season.
His current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2023 – the same time as Pep Guardiola’s deal at Man City.
The Arsenal hierarchy are concerned Arteta may catch the eye of his former employers as the Gunners continue to progress under his stewardship.
The Spaniard worked as an assistant coach under Guardiola at the Etihad for over three years before returning to Arsenal in December 2019.
It is claimed the north London giants want to secure their manager on a new deal that will run for a further two years.
Asked for his verdict on a potential new contract for Arteta, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “I think it’s ridiculous.
“Arsenal should give Arteta a new contract if they finish in the top four. I don’t see why you would give him a new contract if they finish sixth or seventh.
“There’s every chance Arsenal could even finish seventh or eighth this season. I don’t see why they would give him a contract yet.”
Arsenal have finished eighth in the last two seasons under Arteta.
The 39-year-old lifted the FA Cup with the Gunners in the 2019-20 campaign.
In other news, Arsenal could pocket a “hefty” £26m after the latest update Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future.