Mikel Arteta lands surprise new role alongside Arsenal position

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has vowed to help 'disrupt the game at the top level' after landing a surprise new role with a sportswear company.

Arteta has been appointed global ambassador and direct of performance at Under Armour, with the Spaniard to work in the position alongside his role at the Gunners.

The company said Arteta, 43, would provide guidance on product development, talent identification and leadership. He will also 'bring elite leadership, tactical insight and a relentless drive for performance to the brand's global vision', they said.

'The collaboration with Under Armour is the perfect opportunity for me to work with a partner committed to making young athletes better,' Arteta said.

'I'm passionate about providing a platform for the next generation of players coming through in football and the top level of talent already signed with the brand show that they are too.

'We share the same mentality in always striving for more by finding new ways to innovate and disrupt the game at the top level. Our values in pursuing greatness are closely aligned and together, I'm confident we're going to achieve great things in football.'

The announcement comes just days ahead of the new Premier League season.

Arteta's side will aim to go one better than their second place in the previous three campaigns. They begin the 2025-26 season with a visit to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United on Sunday.

Arsenal have splurged £208million on revamping Arteta's squad, including the £64m signing of highly-rated striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi have also joined Arsenal this summer, along with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera.