Mikel Arteta agrees '£50m' Arsenal release clause
Mikel Arteta's new Arsenal contract is likely to include a £50million release clause if he departs before the end of the deal.
This comes after the news that the Spaniard penned a new deal that will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until 2030, with a sizeable pay increase also agreed.
Wyness is adamant that the Gunners have hit the sweet spot in terms of the length of the deal, rather than over-committing to an ext
Arteta led Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years last season, and they also came within a penalty shootout of winning the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola's former assistant has established himself as one of world football's leading bosses, and is ready to lead Arsenal to more silverware.
Arsenal working to 'protect' Mikel Arteta from Barcelona
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Arsenal will have included a lofty release clause to help "protect" themselves from Barcelona's interest in Arteta.
The La Liga giants are not looking to change boss at the moment, but are long-term admirers of Arteta, who came through their La Masia youth system during his playing days.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained why Arteta's likely release clause will be necessary.
"I think that's exactly the right sort of time it should be. I think what they're able to do is probably protect him," he said.
"I'd imagine the buyout clause if he were to go would be £50m, which would be enough to keep some certain clubs away.
"Don't forget, Mikel is a San Sebastian boy, so he's very much up in the north region. So Barcelona would tend to be the area that you'd be looking for him to go if he were to go because he's a part of the academy there as well.
"There may be a different look of the squad in four years' time. If things don't change during that period, it's a natural way for a manager's time to run out.
"If things are still going well, then of course they could probably renew again. But I think four years is the right time to do this and get that buyout clause in place as well."
Arsenal line up three more extensions
Football Insider revealed on Monday that Arsenal are also in "advanced talks" over a new contract for key midfielder Declan Rice.
The club have now turned their attention towards securing the futures of some of their key players, with new deals for Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber also top priorities.
Sources say that big sums have been set aside for each contract extension, with the Gunners' key stars set to be rewarded.
All three stars had been due to see their current deals expire in 2028, but Arsenal are now moving to tie them down.