Mikel Arteta looks close to securing a brand-new Arsenal contract with the hierarchy impressed with the progress being made.
The hope is that Arsenal can accelerate their plans ahead of schedule by qualifying for the Champions League this season, a target thought a fantasy by many at the beginning of the campaign.
However, with a new deal comes the discussion as to whether the club is making the right choice at this moment in time. With so much left of the season to play, it is very easy to imagine Arsenal falling out of the race and even Europe entirely should they consistently drop points.
