Mikel Arteta has proved beyond reasonable doubt that he can take Arsenal to greater heights. The Spaniard replaced Unai Emery on a permanent basis after his fellow countryman was axed by Arsenal for a poor run of form that left the club’s future ambitions in jeopardy. Arteta was the man tasked with fixing things on a long-term basis.
The former Everton midfielder has since restored some order in the club, at least in terms of competition for top-flight titles. However, with recent reports linking him with a move to Barcelona following Xavi’s imminent departure at the end of the season, will Arsenal be without their cherished manager for next season?
Is Mikel Arteta leaving Arsenal?
Last week was one of the most shocking in football, as Jurgen Klopp unexpectedly announced he’d be leaving his job at Liverpool at the end of the season to take a sabbatical. This announcement left everyone wondering what could have made the German manager leave the club he has helped transform into one of the best in Europe.
Also, a few days ago, after losing 5-3 to Villareal despite being the better side, Xavi announced he’d be stepping down as manager of Barcelona at the end of the season.
It was truly a week of unexpected announcements, and the latest to make the headlines is that of Mikel Arteta; at least that’s what recent unconfirmed reports have suggested.
These reports have linked Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta back to his boyhood club as the man to restore things at the Blaugrana. However, Sky Sports quickly debunked these rumors by claiming no such decision (Arteta leaving Arsenal at the end of the season) has been made.
Although Arteta is appreciated by Joan Laporta, the president of Barcelona, the former City assistant coach has no interest in taking over from Xavi, with his Arsenal project being the only thing that matters to him at the moment.
Arsenal under Mikel Arteta this season
Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to an unlikely title charge last season, and were it not for City’s late resurgence, he would have won Arsenal their first Premier League trophy since their infamous invincible season in 2003-04.
This season has been different, as there are more teams in the title race. The departing Jurgen Klopp is doing something special with his Liverpool side, who are at the top of the table with a five-point advantage over their closest rivals, Manchester City and Arsenal.
Arsenal are also in the title race and will push till the end of the season for the trophy if they manage to stay injury-free when it matters most.
Arsenal are also in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League, where they’ll face Porto in the first leg of the tie next month.
