Granit Xhaka’s prediction about Carlos Cuesta makes his Arsenal exit even more fascinating

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Arsenal are set to part ways with Carlos Cuesta as the 29-year-old is in line to take an almighty leap in his coaching career.

Hired in 2020, Cuesta joined Arsenal’s coaching team to support Mikel Arteta with the squad.

It’s been quite the ride for the Spaniard since then, who at just 29, is set for his first managerial role.

Cuesta is in line to join Serie A side Parma in what will be a remarkable move for the coach, and a blow for the Gunners, who value him highly.

• READ MORE: Who is Carlos Cuesta? Meet the Arsenal coach following in Mikel Arteta’s footsteps

Granit Xhaka’s prediction about Carlos Cuesta

A senior job in a top league is an incredible achievement for the Spanish coach, but it isn’t anything that has come as a surprise.

Cuesta was linked to Norwich City but remained at Arsenal, but now, it appears that it’s time for Arteta to say goodbye to one of his four number twos.

The 29-year-old featured heavily in Arsenal’s Amazon Prime All Or Nothing documentary, where his impact on the squad was clear for all to see.

Speaking to The Athletic in 2024, former Gunner Granit Xhaka explained first-hand what it’s like to work with Cuesta, where he made a particularly interesting prediction about the coach. 

“I am sure that one day he will be a manager for a big, big, big club,” Xhaka admitted.

The former Arsenal midfielder went on to express his certainty that Cuesta would go on to become a top manager.

“I say this because he knows what he wants, he has clear ideas, and he has clear goals that he wants to achieve. I am certain that one day we will see him on the touchline as a manager.”

Xhaka’s prediction has turned into a reality, as only a year after his statement, Arteta’s assistant is ready to take on his first senior role in one of Europe’s top five leagues. 

History-making move in line for Cuesta

It’s a blow for Arsenal to lose the coach, but fans already have an idea of who they want to replace Cuesta.

Santi Cazorla is the name on Arsenal supporters’ lips, as Arteta begins his hunt to replace the sizeable void Cuesta will leave.

For the Spaniard, his Emirates chapter might be over, but his career is just beginning.

Cuesta will become the youngest manager in Serie A history if he takes on the job at Parma, who finished 16th in the Italian top flight last term.

It will be fascinating to see how Arteta’s assistant fares and how Arsenal attempt to replace the charismatic coach.