Mikel Arteta to continue as the Arsenal manager next season?

The current season has been a very questionable one for The Gunners. Mikel Arteta has been holding onto his job despite the rough season, however, questions might now arise after Arsenal crashed out of the Europa League when they were defeated by Unai Emery’s Villarreal in the semi-final.

The Spaniard started his youth football and played alongside Xabi Alonso for many years. After spending 6 years together, Arteta joined the Barcelona academy whereas Alonso joined Real Sociedad. Arteta was a gifted player and a couple of years later, he debuted for the Barcelona C team.

He was soon promoted to the B team. However, he was not able to break into the first team despite his potential. So Arteta joined Ligue 1 side PSG on loan. After spending a year there, the French side wanted to make his deal permanent. But, the Scottish club, Rangers snatched him before.

He had a good spell there as he went on to score 14 goals in his 2 years. Later, he returned back to Spain and joined Real Sociedad. He was unable to establish himself at the club and ended the season on a disappointing note.

Things became better for him when Everton made a move for him which was initially a loan. After the deal was made permanent, he went on play 6 years for The Toffees. It was a successful time for him as he became one of the most talked-about players in the Premier League.

After giving his best there, he joined Arsenal in 2011, where he spent the rest of his footballing career. He was given the captain’s armband in the final 2 years, although he did not feature in many matches. He hung his boots after the final match of the 2015-16 season.

Mikel Arteta’ future at Arsenal is secure, for now

Mikel Arteta then decided to take his talents best use elsewhere. He joined Manchester City as the club’s assistant coach. He had got the opportunity to lead the Arsenal academy as well as join Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham. But he decided to go with Pep who he had an old bond.

In 2018, when Arsene Wenger left Arsenal, he was strongly linked with filling that post. But, Emery took over then. However, he became the strongest candidate for that position when Emery was sacked and was officially announced as Arsenal manager in December 2019.

In his first season, he led his side to 8th position. To cover up for that disappointment, he won the FA Cup after defeating his former side and Chelsea respectively. He even started the current season on a great note by winning the FA Community Shield. However, that was the only bright thing that happened for them.

They are about to end their season in a much worse position. However, they had a small lifeline in the form of the Europa League. But their failure to proceed past Villarreal means that their chances of featuring in any European competition have taken a serious blow. If it happens, it will also be the first time in 25 years that they miss this opportunity.

Mikel Arteta will still be Arsenal manager at the start of next season but pressure is mounting on the Spaniard to turn things around after their miserable Europa League exithttps://t.co/esp9GMr5SU

— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) May 8, 2021

It was expected that Mikel Arteta’s future had seen the finish line, but it seems that he will be remaining as the manager at least till the next season starts. The hierarchy believes that a rapid decision is not required.

However, this might be the last lifeline Arteta might be getting at Arsenal. If there is no improvement under him at the start of the next season, the 39-year-old manager’s future can be at serious risk.