• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

TBR Football understands Arsenal are continuing to push Mikel Arteta to commit his future to the club as soon as he is ready.

Arteta has just over 12-months left on his current deal and he has assured the club he is ‘committed’ to the club and their vision.

TBR is told that Arteta appreciates the fact he has been backed by the club in the transfer market and his partnership with club chief Edu is very strong.

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Manchester City and Barcelona ‘huge admirers’ of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

Arsenal are not fearful of losing Arteta, but they know that Barcelona are huge admirers of him, along with his former club Manchester City – who could be looking for Pep Guardiola’s long-term replacement in the not too distant future – with that in mind they would like Arteta signed up sooner rather than later.

TBR is told that ideally they want Arteta done before the start of next season.

Considering Edu and club chiefs placed their trust in the Spaniard during difficult moments, particularly earlier in his tenure, it seem likely he’ll repay that trust by putting pen to paper on a renewal.

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Mikel Arteta still has plenty of unfinished business at Arsenal

Whilst the lure of his former club Barcelona may tempt him in the future, for now, Arteta, who Guardiola labelled ‘incredible’, still has plenty of unfinished business with Arsenal.

His side look set to miss out on the Premier League title this term, with Manchester City defeating Tottenham Hotpsur 2-0 on Tuesday evening to put themselves in pole position.

So, he’ll be desperate to be the man to finally end The Gunners’ 20-year wait for a league title and the first to triumph in the Champions League.

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