Season Still Running, Mikel Arteta Refuses to Discuss Contract Extension

JAKARTA - Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta insists he is reluctant to discuss contract extensions in the middle of the season, ahead of the English League home game against Bournemouth on Saturday night (11/4) WIB.

The main focus of the Spanish coach is currently to bring The Gunners to finish the season with maximum results.

"There is no news about that (contract extension). We don't have time to discuss it now," Arteta said, quoted by ANTARA from Sky Sports, Saturday, April 11.

"Our full focus is on what we have to do from now until the end of the season," he continued.

Even so, Arteta indicated he was ready to accept a new contract offer if it was offered by Arsenal.

"I am fully committed here. I am very happy and feeling good. My family is also good. I still have a lot of ambition and things to achieve at this club. For now, we are in a good position."

Previously, a number of British media reported that Arsenal had opened positive initial talks with Arteta regarding his new contract.

Arteta is currently under contract with the London club until the end of next season. However, the coach chose to postpone the discussion in order to maintain the team's concentration.

Arsenal themselves are still competing in two competitions after failing in the League Cup and FA Cup. They just won 1-0 over Sporting CP in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal, while keeping their chances of qualifying for the semifinals.

In the English League, Arsenal is also in the lead in the title race. They lead the standings with 70 points from 31 matches, nine points ahead of Manchester City in second place, and have the chance to end a 22-year wait for a league title.