Pep Guardiola has reportedly agreed a new contract with Manchester City, in a decision that will have implications for the title race in upcoming seasons.
The Athletic reports that the Man City boss has agreed a new one-year extension to his current deal, with the option of another year. The Spaniard’s current contract ends at the end of the season, prompting speculation over his future.
Guardiola has been in charge of City since 2016 and has led them to six Premier League titles, including four in the last four years. He has also helped the club lift the League Cup four times, the FA Cup twice and the Champions League once.
The news will come as a boost to City in what is their worst run of form under the manager. The side had lost their last four games in all competitions before the international break.
Arsenal, in particular, will be watching the developments with interest. The Gunners have pushed City all the way for the title in the last two seasons, but just missed out.
Mikel Arteta‘s men hope to make it third time lucky this season, but their own dip in form leaves them with a deficit to make up. Arsenal currently sit in fourth place in the Premier League, but are nine points behind current league leaders Liverpool.
City, meanwhile, are in second position, four points ahead of Arsenal. Speaking after the 4-1 defeat against Sporting CP, Guardiola outlined his determination to turn things around.
“It is a tough challenge, but I am here,” he said. “It will be a tough season — we knew that from the start. But this is what it is. I like it, I love it, I want to face it and lift my players and try it.”
He added: “More than ever, I want to lift up the team and return them to their top level.”
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