Mikel Arteta Tipped to Leave Arsenal for Rival Club if He Wins Trophy This Season

Mikel Arteta has been tipped to leave Arsenal this summer if he wins a trophy according to a former club legend.

Arteta has undoubtedly turned Arsenal's fortunes around since taking the job back in 2019, however, the lack of silverware has cast a shadow over his tenure to date, with three consecutive second place finishes.

The Gunners sit five points ahead of Pep Guardiola's Man City in the Premier League table following their 2-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday.

Goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka secured the points for Arteta's side, who are looking to finally get their hands on a league title after strengthening in the summer window.

Arteta extended his stay in North London last year when he signed a contract until 2027, with the option for an extra year.

Mikel Arteta on the touchline against Brentford (credit: getty)

Arteta 'could leave Arsenal' if silverware is secured

Despite his long-term future seemingly confirmed, former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit has claimed he could leave the club in the summer if they finally end their trophy drought.

"Mikel Arteta could be tempted to come back to Spain, especially to a club he knew when he was very young," Petit told Snabbare.

"Honestly, with the work he's doing, can you imagine if he wins something at the end of the season? He would probably say, 'Okay, fair enough. For me, after almost seven years, I've done it with Arsenal. I think it's time for me to see something else', I can understand that."

Petit even named Barcelona as a potential destination for Arteta, who played for the Catalan club between 1997 and 2002 but never made an official appearance.

"But, in a way, I can also understand that if Barcelona knocks at your door, you will think, 'Okay, listen, Barcelona is one of the greatest clubs in the world. I'll be back in Spain, and the lifestyle is good for my family'," Petit added.

Despite a TEAMtalk report claiming the Gunners are yet to open renewal talks with Arteta, that is reportedly down to a focus on new recruits, with a mutual understanding extension talks will begin next summer.