Spanish manager Mikel Arteta, the man who ended Arsenal’s 22-year wait for a Premier League title, could reportedly consider his future at the club after the UEFA Champions League final. But why would he leave North London after delivering such impressive results?

THE DILEMMA FACING MIKEL ARTETA

Only 11 clubs in European football history have completed the coveted league-and-Champions-League double. If Arsenal defeat Paris Saint-Germain on May 30, 2026, in Budapest, the Gunners would become just the third English club to achieve the feat, joining Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United of 1999 and Liverpool’s 1984 side.

Such a historic accomplishment could significantly increase Arteta’s stock across world football. Europe’s biggest clubs — and even national teams — would undoubtedly take notice, potentially tempting the Spaniard away from the project he began on December 22, 2019.

Having learned under Pep Guardiola as an assistant coach, Arteta finally guided Arsenal back to the summit of English football, overcoming Guardiola’s Manchester City in the 2025-26 Premier League title race. In doing so, he succeeded where previous post-Arsène Wenger experiments under Unai Emery and Freddie Ljungberg failed, restoring belief and ambition to one of England’s most storied clubs.

Yet there is another side to the story.

Arsenal have placed complete trust in Arteta and are prepared to offer him the opportunity to build a long-term legacy similar to Wenger’s. The Frenchman spent 22 years at the helm, while Arteta has already completed six seasons in charge, evidence of the club’s commitment to stability and continuity.

CAN ARSENAL CONVINCE HIM TO STAY?

Within the Arsenal hierarchy, co-chairman Josh Kroenke has reportedly made Arteta’s contract extension a top priority. His current deal expires in 2027, making this the ideal moment for the club to secure his long-term future.

“Why wouldn’t they? The stability he has brought to Arsenal — and stability is part of Arsenal’s DNA — has given them the platform to compete for every major trophy.

“The consistency they have shown over the last few years has been incredible. On top of that, the arrival of sporting director Andrea Berta this season strengthened the club’s structure. He came in, recruited players and focused on achieving the club’s objectives. It shows how well Arsenal Football Club is being run, and I hope they continue along that path.”

Those were the thoughts of former Arsenal star Ray Parlour, who believes continuity remains one of the club’s greatest strengths.

For Parlour, success is the product of a long-term vision rather than constant change.

“It’s very easy to replace a manager and bring someone else in. But if you stick with your people, believe in them, give them the resources they need, and then come out stronger and win trophies, the story becomes much greater.

“It proves that stability and faith in a project work when you genuinely believe in it.”

That philosophy has long been part of Arsenal’s identity — and it is one reason why many supporters would welcome Arteta becoming the club’s next Arsène Wenger.

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