Arsenal chief Richard Garlick says he is very happy with progress in Mikel Arteta’s contract talks as the Premier League champions seek to secure their manager’s future.

Arsenal are increasingly confident that Mikel Arteta will commit his future to the club, with chief executive Richard Garlick revealing that negotiations over a new contract are progressing positively.

Arteta is entering the final year of his current deal, but Arsenal have made extending his stay a priority following the Spaniard’s transformation of the club. After years of falling short, Arteta finally guided the Gunners to their first Premier League title in 22 years last season.

With Arsenal now preparing to defend their crown, the club wants to ensure the man responsible for their resurgence remains at the Emirates for the long term. Garlick has offered an encouraging update on those discussions, suggesting an agreement could be reached sooner rather than later.

“The process is in play, and we’re all very happy with the way that’s progressing,” Garlick said. “Talks have been ongoing for a while. We don’t just suddenly start having talks – they’ve been ongoing for a number of months, and they’re very constructive and very progressive.”

The Arsenal chief also stressed that both parties are keen to continue working together, leaving little doubt over the club’s intentions. “He wants to be at this club, and we want him to be at the club, and I’m sure we’ll find the solution sooner rather than later,” he added.

The timing of the negotiations is particularly significant as Arsenal look to build on last season’s title success. The Gunners have never successfully defended a Premier League crown, and retaining Arteta would provide continuity as they attempt to establish themselves as the dominant force in English football.