Arsenal 'delay Mikel Arteta contract talks amid Paris Saint-Germain interest'

Arsenal have reportedly put contract talks with manager Mikel Arteta on hold to focus on the Premier League title race.

Arteta, who has been Arsenal boss since December 2019, is currently looking to guide the Gunners to their first league title since the 2003-04 season.

The Spaniard's impressive work at the Emirates Stadium has led to speculation about a possible new contract.

Arteta only signed a new deal last summer, which runs until 2025 and included a pay rise in excess of £3m per year.

However, the Arsenal hierarchy appear to be wary that Arteta is on the radar of a number of Europe's biggest clubs.

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Paris Saint-Germain supposedly hold an interest in their former player, with uncertainty surrounding the manager's position at the Parc des Princes.

Christophe Galtier was only appointed PSG boss last summer, but he is set to leave at the end of the season following the club's last-16 exit from the Champions League.

Manchester City and Barcelona are not expected to move for Arteta in the near future, but they view him as a potential manager in the longer term.

Although Arsenal are keen to tie Arteta down to a new deal, The Sun are reporting that they will put contract talks on hold until the title race is over.

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The two-way battle with Man City is set to go right down to the wire after Arsenal gave up a two-goal lead for the second game running in Sunday's 2-2 draw with West Ham United.

The Gunners finished the weekend with a four-point cushion over Pep Guardiola's side, who have the advantage of a game in hand.

Arsenal will face Southampton on Friday, before they turn their attention to a title-defining fixture against Man City.

If Arteta can secure Arsenal the Premier League crown, his stock would certainly rise ahead of future contract negotiations.