President wants Mikel Arteta as ‘next manager’ amid Arsenal contract uncertainty

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Arsenal may soon find themselves fighting to keep Mikel Arteta in the dugout.

Mikel Arteta’s current contract with Arsenal is set to expire in 18-months’ time.

As things stand, there is no sign of a renewal being closed to agreed. Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that the club are happy with the Spanish coach, and that the manager is happy at the Emirates Stadium, but that contract negotiations have been put on the back-burner whilst the January transfer window is open.

Until Arteta pens new terms with the north London outfit, he is more likely to be poached by another club, as they will have to pay less in compensation to Arsenal.

Therefore, news that Barcelona have eyes for the former midfielder may prompt Arsenal to rush back to the negotiation table themselves. According to journalist Adrian Sanchez, speaking on the MQP Podcast, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is a huge admirer of Arteta and has earmarked him to be the La Liga giant’s “next manager.”

Whilst Arteta was an Arsenal captain in his playing days, he also has an affinity with Barcelona, as he is a product of their famed La Masia academy system. However, he never made an appearance for the senior first-team before moving on to PSG as a youngster.

Arteta may well feel that he has unfinished business in Barcelona, and a return to his homeland may well appeal. 

Why now is not the time for Mikel Arteta to leave Arsenal

However, he also has unfinished business in north London. It would seem that Arteta is in no hurry to leave Arsenal, and having made the Gunners genuine Premier League title contenders once again he will be desperate to see that through and get his hands on some more silverware whilst in charge of the club.

It is unsurprising to see Arteta attracting interest from the other clubs. The 41-year-old has done an impressive job at Arsenal, given it is his first ever managerial role. It hasn’t been entirely plain sailing, but he has developed and grown as a coach throughout his time in charge. The Arsenal board will feel that they are getting ever closer to seeing their faith in Arteta pay off with some significant success on the pitch. 

Whilst it is unlikely that Arteta is going anywhere soon, the club would be wise to tie him down to a new contract as soon as possible all the same.