Arteta likely to extend Arsenal stay even if season ends without silverware

[p]That is the strong feeling among sources close to the club, despite a period of growing pressure on the manager and his squad.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/arteta-mikel/lAbHYaQM/"]Arteta[/a] labelled [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/arsenal-hA1Zm19f/bournemouth-OtpNdwrc/?mid=jcHwYvNG"]Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth[/a] a "big punch in the face," and attention now turns to a defining stretch in [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/arsenal/hA1Zm19f/"]Arsenal[/a]’s season.[/p][p]A crucial Champions League clash with [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/sporting-cp/tljXuHBC/"]Sporting CP[/a] is followed by a potential Premier League title decider against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/manchester-city/Wtn9Stg0/"]Manchester City[/a].[/p][p][b]Despite recent setbacks, insiders insist there is unwavering belief in Arteta’s long-term vision. That faith is not expected to diminish, even if Arsenal fall short in both the Champions League and the Premier League.[/b][/p][image alt="Arsenal's upcoming fixtures" id="28f3edb0-f451-4292-8292-cce457cafcfe" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="15d0bd63-d050-4f49-bec1-9ca60608093f" original-width="1200" original-height="1200" /][p]Defeats in the Carabao Cup final and FA Cup quarter-finals have intensified scrutiny on the squad’s mentality, placing added responsibility on Arteta to keep their ambitions intact during the run-in.[/p][p]While the Spaniard recently downplayed suggestions that contract talks are underway, Flashscore understands that initial discussions have already taken place, with a view to finalising a new deal before the start of next season.[/p][p]Frustration was evident at full-time against Bournemouth, as boos rang around the Emirates Stadium. The focus will now shift to how the club responds to the mounting pressure in the decisive weeks ahead.[/p][p][b]Arteta, 44, has already been assured of continued backing in the transfer market, though. Arsenal are unlikely to match last summer’s huge outlay, but plans are in place to strengthen key areas.[/b][/p][embed guid="2d55ea3c-878b-473f-8122-177c7bd95e36" url="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2042969979046256683" social-type="twitter" /][p]A central midfielder and a left-sided attacking player are among the priorities, as the club looks to raise overall quality and improve squad depth.[/p][p]For now, Arteta’s task is to stabilise and return to top form. But, crucially, he retains the full support of the hierarchy and - given the culture he has been building - all indications suggest he will remain at the helm, regardless of how this season concludes.[/p][image alt="Dean Jones" id="0f685dd0-10a2-43d8-9966-361f00f7203c" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="61a7e7bc-d6f5-46ce-b171-7579c7f1bc4f" original-width="1200" original-height="380" /]