Mikel Arteta must deliver the Champions League trophy if he is to justify his new £25million-a-year salary at Arsenal.
That is according to talkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor following the news the Gunners boss has extended his contract.
Arteta penned a new four-year deal through to the summer of 2030 on Wednesday.
His previous contract had been due to expire at the end of the current season.
However, the Spaniard could now see his tenure extend to 10 years if he sees out his new deal.
Arteta, who was appointed in December 2019, has seen his annual salary rise to £25million, the equivalent of almost £70,000-a-day.
Arteta handed Arsenal ultimatum
Agbonlahor believes he must add to his Premier League title triumph in order to justify his lucrative wages.
The former Aston Villa striker believes supporters will now be expecting Champions League glory in the near future.
He reacted to Arsenal’s announcement on Thursday’s Breakfast show alongside Alan Brazil.
In response, Agbonlahor admitted: “Arsenal fans have trusted the process and Mikel Arteta has brought them a Premier League title.
“Now can he go and get the Champions League? That’s what Arsenal fans are waiting for. He needs to go and do that.”
Arsenal have never won the Champions League or European Cup during their 140-year history.
Meanwhile, their only final appearance before last season came back in 2006.
The Gunners were beaten on penalties by Paris Saint-Germain in May’s showpiece clash to extend their wait for Champions League glory.
Arsenal under Arteta
Arteta guided the club back into the competition in 2023 following a six-year absence.
He has since improved year-on-year, with runs to the quarter-finals, semi-finals and now the final.
A European triumph this term would add to an FA Cup win and three Community Shields alongside last season’s title victory for Arteta.
Prior to his new deal, the former midfielder had been earning £10million-a-year at the Emirates Stadium.
With Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester City, Arteta was already the highest paid manager in the Premier League.
He is also the longest-serving manager across the top four divisions in England at almost seven years.