Arsenal Week in Review, Monday 12th October: Arteta Signs New Contract as Arsenal Fight Back to Beat Leeds
The headline news of the week was Mikel Arteta committing his future to Arsenal, signing a new contract that runs until 2030 (Football.London) (BBC Sport). Arsenal.com declared "Mikel Arteta is here to stay" (Arsenal.com), while the Guardian noted the deal reflects just how much power the Spaniard now holds at the club (The Guardian). The Evening Standard suggested Arteta could follow in Sir Alex Ferguson's footsteps and build a genuine dynasty at Arsenal (Evening Standard), and Football.London believes his mission for the next four years is now crystal clear (Football.London). Martin Odegaard said the new deal will lift the energy around the squad (Arsenal.com), and Arteta also joined supporters for a special sit-down session following the announcement (Arsenal.com).
On the pitch, Arsenal marked the Premier League's return from the international break with a 2-1 comeback win over Leeds United at the Emirates (ESPN) (Sky Sports) (Football.London). Bruno Guimaraes scored a brilliant winner, with Riccardo Calafiori also on the scoresheet, as the champions fought back after going behind (ESPN) (BBC Sport). Talksport noted the victory carried some 27-year historical significance for the club (talkSPORT), while Arteta said his side got their "identity" back after insisting the team "had a point to prove" following the defeat to Brighton before the break (ESPN). BBC Sport felt there remain issues for Arsenal to address despite Guimaraes' rescue act (BBC Sport), while Myles Lewis-Skelly praised a team-mate's work ethic as a "mentality monster" that boosts Arteta's squad (Football.London). Jurriën Timber also said he is happy with the competition for the right-back spot provided by Ben White (ESPN).
Arteta also faced questions this week about Manchester City being found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules, having previously worked at the club. He insisted his conscience is clear over his time there (Evening Standard) (ESPN), giving a firm one-word response when pressed on the issue (Football.London).
Injuries were a major talking point heading into the Leeds game. Kai Havertz picked up a hamstring injury on international duty with Germany, leaving Arteta with a selection dilemma up front and set to give Viktor Gyokeres more of a chance (Evening Standard). Gyokeres himself returns to Arsenal full of confidence after a goal-laden spell with Sweden (ESPN), while Football.London also reported a fresh injury concern for a player who returned early from England duty ahead of the Leeds match (Football.London). Martin Odegaard was given extra time away from training following his involvement with Norway (Football.London), while Ezri Konsa was also a doubt for the weekend (Football.London). Football.London detailed as many as ten players who could potentially miss out against Leeds after injury withdrawals from international squads (Football.London), with Arteta later confirming a five-player injury update of his own (Football.London) and further issues involving Rice, Konsa and Havertz (Football.London). After the match, there were fresh fitness details on Hincapie, Tzolis and Saliba (Football.London).
Elsewhere on the international front, Riccardo Calafiori scored his first goal for Italy as Gyokeres continued his hot streak for Sweden (Arsenal.com), and Mikel Merino struck twice off the bench as Spain fought back to beat Croatia (Arsenal.com) (Football.London). Merino's father has since addressed speculation linking his son with a move to Real Madrid (TeamTalk) (Football.London).
In transfer news, Liverpool are reported to have made a bid for a "record-breaking" attacking midfielder also of interest to Arsenal, according to TeamTalk (TeamTalk), while the same outlet claimed Rio Ngumoha is keen to stay at Liverpool rather than move to the Emirates (TeamTalk). Arsenal have also been linked with a return for Jarell Quansah (talkSPORT), and Sky Sports reported that Declan Rice could be closing in on a new Arsenal deal (Sky Sports). Football.London added that Arsenal are said to be progressing with a "triple deal" with a timeline for breakthroughs (TeamTalk), and separately reported interest in a Manchester City player amid talk of a potential fire sale (Football.London). Vinicius Junior's transfer value has reportedly dropped after he signed a new Real Madrid contract, ending Arsenal's interest from the summer (Football.London), while Julian Alvarez is said to be "reconsidering" his future as Arsenal explore deals for 2027 (Football.London).
On the women's side, Arsenal.com paid tribute to club icon Kelly Smith (Arsenal.com), and confirmed November's WSL fixture details (Arsenal.com). BBC Sport's half-term review of the Women's Super League noted Arsenal have struggled so far this season, with Manchester City leading the way (BBC Sport).
Finally, Myles Lewis-Skelly has been named on the 25-man Golden Boy shortlist (Sky Sports), former player Willian reflected on wanting to quit Arsenal early in his spell at the club (Football.London) (Football.London), and Sir Alex Ferguson spoke about his old rivalry with Arsene Wenger, admitting one Arsenal-era achievement still irks him (Football.London).
This round-up is written with the help of AI, using only the day's headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.