MIKEL ARTETA has reportedly decided he will QUIT at the end of the season.
That’s with Barcelona allegedly eyeing him as their new boss.
Mikel Arteta has reportedly decided to leave Arsenal this summerCredit: Reuters
Xavi Hernandez stunned the Nou Camp on Saturday by declaring he will leave his beloved club this summer.
And according to Catalan outlet Sport, Arteta is in Barca’s sights after supposedly informing those close to him that he is set for a fresh start too.
The Spaniard’s Emirates contract runs until 2025.
And Arteta, a graduate of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, is reportedly planning an early exit in June and has allegedly told staff around him to prepare for change.
However, SunSport understands this not to be true, with Arteta committed to managing the Gunners.
The former Arsenal captain took charge in north London in December 2019 after replacing Unai Emery.
Arteta’s since overseen 211 matches, winning 121 games in the process.
And last season he almost led Arsenal to their first title win since 2004’s Invincibles.
Arteta’s swashbuckling style was well documented on Amazon’s All or Nothing TV series.
Alongside sporting director Edu, he has spent over £650million on new signings – including a club-record £105m fee for England star Declan Rice.
Arsenal are well in this season’s title race after winning 13 of their 21 games.
But leaders Liverpool are five points clear, while champions Man City are level with a game in hand.
Aston Villa also have the same points as Arsenal.
And they could yet end up empty-handed like last term.
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