Arsenal will consider sacking Arteta this summer in two major circumstances
Arsenal will have “very difficult discussions” over Mikel Arteta’s future this summer in two key situations, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
Arsenal face a “title-defining” clash with Man City
Declan Rice has called for Arsenal to improve in Sunday’s “title-defining” Premier League game at Manchester City – as he vowed to end the “pain” of their Carabao Cup final defeat.
Arsenal and City will go head-to-head at the Etihad Stadium this weekend with Mikel Arteta’s side holding a six-point lead over their rivals.
However, City – fresh from a 3-0 win against Chelsea – have a game in hand against an Arsenal side who have just lost to Bournemouth.
Arsenal recovered from their shock defeat to book their place in the Champions League semi-finals following a second-leg draw with Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates on Wednesday.
But the Gunners have been below their best and have won just one of their last five games.
Rice said: “There is no beating around the bush, we have to do better than what we did against Bournemouth and you can say the same tonight (against Sporting).
“Recently, we’ve probably made more mistakes than we’ve made in previous weeks. It’s about doing the basics a little bit better to be better – just five passes, 10 yards that we’re giving them sloppily.
“And that confidence with the ball, just touching it, relaxing on the ball, I don’t feel under pressure.
“The Etihad is the ultimate test – but that’s why we play this game. So, keep going.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s hotly contested game, Rice – who overcame illness to play every minute of Arsenal’s second leg against Sporting – added: “He’s great and I can’t wait, that’s why we’re playing this game.
“When you are a child you watch the games and when you watch the Premier League, you see these big games, these moments that define the title and it depends on whether you will be ready and how much do you want?
“It’s clear that they’ve been in really good form recently, nobody’s going to give you anything in this league.
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“There has been a lot of noise but in the end it’s up to us as players, that’s why we’re champions and that’s why we’re playing this game.
“To go there and win would be a big statement and look, these guys are ready. We talked as a team. We know what it takes.”
David Ornstein drops an update on Arteta’s future
Speaking in The Athletic’s Q&A, Ornstein answered questions from Gunners fans who are losing patience with Arteta amid Arsenal’s form.
“I’m sure Arsenal want Mikel Arteta to continue next season and beyond – he’s under contract until June 2027, at the moment – and it sounds like Arteta wants the same,” he said.
However, the reliable journalist has suggested that there will be “difficult” negotiations which will have two conditions – if the Spaniard fails to wrap up one of the two major trophies remaining this season.
“If things go badly for them between now and the summer, I’m sure there will be very difficult discussions, and it would be foolish of me to say I can’t see the world he’s walking in.”
While Ornstein confirmed that the “intention” of both sides is to continue next season, it is clear that Arteta is under increasing pressure if the Gunners can’t get at least one Premier League or Champions League spot over the line.
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North Londoners have been contacted by mediators.
