Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been advised to stay at the Gunners and make them a European powerhouse before leaving the club. The Spaniard's success in north London this season is bound to not go unnoticed around the footballing world with a possible return to Barcelona as manager in the future potentially on the cards.
In November 2022, Arteta was named in a report by SPORT as a possible long-term replacement at Barcelona for current boss Xavi. However, when asked about the rumour, Arteta delivered a firm answer: "What I can say is I am happy and proud to be where I am."
Since his response to talk of a managerial role at Barcelona, the Gunners have continued their fight towards the Premier League title. With just eight games remaining, Arsenal sit top of the league table clear of Arteta's former employers Manchester City by six points.
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While the focus is firmly on taking home domestic silverware come the end of May, Arsenal are on the brink of achieving what was likely their main goal at the start of the season. North London rivals Tottenham currently occupy fifth and find themselves 20 points adrift of Arsenal with eight matches to play, meaning Champions League qualification is almost confirmed.
In the final weeks of last season, Arsenal lost out on the final qualification spot to Spurs which left them with a place in the Europa League. Despite dominating the group stages, Arsenal were surprisingly knocked out in the last-16 by Sporting CP.
Arteta now looks set to receive a shot at European redemption in the 2023/24 season but this time in the Champions League. Former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor has been discussing Arsenal's chances in the Champions League, insisting that, while they are far off winning the competition right now, if Arteta remains he could make Arsenal like Real Madrid.
The Ex-Aston Villa frontman told Football Insider: “I don’t think Arsenal can be considered Champions League contenders yet. That’s a while away. Real Madrid are in that bracket, every season. But there’s no reason why Arteta can’t make Arsenal contenders for that competition.
“The talk of him going to Madrid, I don’t see why he would want to go right now. He’s built something special. Even if he doesn’t win the league this season, he’ll want to do it next season. He’s got Champions League football to look forward to.
“Arsenal is his club. Dream jobs like Real Madrid, or Spain – that can wait for the future. He’s got plenty of time.”
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