Mikel Arteta ‘tells friends he wants to terminate Arsenal contract and club may agree’
According to sensational reports in Spain, Mikel Arteta has allegedly expressed to close acquaintances his desire to depart Arsenal by the end of the season. It’s suggested that Arteta’s amicable rapport with the Emirates Stadium leadership could lead to a mutual agreement for the premature termination of his contract, which is scheduled to end in 2025.
Arsenal, however, refute these claims.
Arsenal’s intense rivalry with Manchester City for the Premier League title is said to have worn on Mikel Arteta.
Since taking over from Unai Emery in late 2019, the former Gunners midfielder has overseen a significant transformation in north London.
Arteta inherited a team that hadn’t qualified for the Champions League since 2016.
Through shedding high-earning and underperforming players, he has fostered a more positive environment at the Emirates Stadium.
According to reports from Spanish publication Sport, Arteta’s efforts have taken a toll, with the manager reportedly confiding in his inner circle about the possibility of stepping down at the season’s end.
The situation is being handled with utmost discretion as Arteta observes the remainder of the Premier League campaign.
Coincidentally, this development follows Xavi’s announcement of his intention to step down as Barcelona manager at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.
Arteta has previously been strongly linked with the Barcelona job. However, according to the report, there has been no approach from the La Liga giants towards the 41-year-old.
Nevertheless, Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, has openly expressed his admiration for Arteta’s managerial work.
Arteta honed his skills at Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy and developed a strong friendship with Pep Guardiola. He then transitioned to coaching under Guardiola’s tutelage at Manchester City before assuming the role of head coach at Arsenal.
Xavi revealed his departure from Barcelona following his team’s 5-3 defeat to Villarreal at home on Saturday. Barcelona held a 3-2 lead until the 83rd minute before collapsing at their temporary Montjuic stadium.
“Before you ask me the pertinent questions, I want to announce that as of June 30, I will not continue as Barca coach,” Xavi said afterwards.
The former midfielder added: “We have been talking about it with [president Joan] Laporta and with the sports area and, as a cule, I think that the club needs a change of dynamic. Thinking about the club and the players I think they will free themselves and will be calmer.
“Thinking as a club man I think, ‘The best thing is to leave on June 30’. That said, I will give my best in the remaining four months, I think we can have a good season and I hope the dynamic changes.”
Arteta is likely to be considered a formidable candidate to succeed Xavi at Barcelona. However, the current head coach of Barca has characterized the job as “unpleasant” and “cruel” in a scathing evaluation, which could give potential successors pause before accepting the position.
Mikel Arteta ‘tells friends he wants to terminate Arsenal contract and club may agree’