Key Points
- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is attracting interest from major clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Barcelona.
- Sources describe links with these clubs as “inevitable” due to Arteta’s superb work at the Emirates Stadium.
- A source speaking to Graeme Bailey for TEAMtalk stated: “Links with Real Madrid, as well as the likes of Manchester City and Barcelona are seen as inevitable, but that is all they are, just links.”
- Arteta has transformed Arsenal into a competitive force, finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive years and currently topping the table this season.
- Despite no major trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, Arteta has made Arsenal genuine contenders for the Premier League and Champions League.
- Real Madrid seeks a new permanent manager to replace Xabi Alonso.
- Arteta previously worked on Manchester City’s coaching staff under Pep Guardiola, raising speculation of a potential return as his long-term successor.
- Arsenal faces challenges in retaining Arteta, with fans worried about losing a crucial figure who turned the club’s fortunes around.
- No concrete offers have been reported yet; interest remains at the “links” stage.
London (CaughtOffside) January 16, 2026 – Arsenal are reportedly bracing for offers for their crucial manager Mikel Arteta, with interest mounting from powerhouse clubs such as Real Madrid and Manchester City. Sources close to the situation have described such links as “inevitable” following Arteta’s remarkable turnaround at the Emirates Stadium, transforming the Gunners from mid-table strugglers into title challengers. While no firm bids have materialised, the speculation underscores Arteta’s rising stature in world football.
Why Are Links to Real Madrid and Manchester City Seen as Inevitable?
As reported by sources speaking to Graeme Bailey for TEAMtalk, the interest in Arteta is viewed as a natural progression of his achievements. “Links with Real Madrid, as well as the likes of Manchester City and Barcelona are seen as inevitable, but that is all they are, just links,” the source told Bailey in the TEAMtalk article titled “Latest on crucial Mikel Arteta Arsenal contract talks revealed as Real Madrid eye devastating steal.”
CaughtOffside’s coverage, in an article linked to their January 16, 2026 piece “Arsenal prepare mega contract Spaniard,” highlights Arteta’s appeal to elite clubs. Real Madrid, currently searching for a permanent successor to Xabi Alonso, see the Spaniard as a prime candidate. Arteta’s tactical acumen and success in rebuilding Arsenal align perfectly with Madrid’s ambitions in La Liga and the Champions League.
Manchester City’s interest adds another layer, given Arteta’s history there. He served on Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff before taking the Arsenal job in December 2019. This connection fuels talk of a potential return to the Etihad as Guardiola’s long-term heir, especially amid Arsenal’s fierce rivalry with City in recent title races.
How Has Mikel Arteta Transformed Arsenal?
Arteta’s tenure has been pivotal. Since arriving, he ended Arsenal’s trophy drought with the 2020 FA Cup, their last major silverware to date. More impressively, he has elevated the team to consistent top-two finishes in the Premier League – second place in 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25. This season, as of January 2026, Arsenal sit top of the Premier League table, positioning them as genuine contenders once more.
CaughtOffside notes in a related January 9, 2026 article “Man United and Arsenal unable to escape the past” that Arteta is “surely good enough to manage any club in the world.” His work has instilled a winning mentality, blending youth with experience to challenge Manchester City’s dominance.
Arsenal fans, understandably anxious, view Arteta as irreplaceable. Losing him now, just as the club eyes Premier League and Champions League glory, could derail years of progress.
What Challenges Does Arsenal Face in Retaining Arteta?
Contract talks are ongoing, with Arsenal reportedly preparing a “mega contract” extension, as per CaughtOffside’s reporting. However, the allure of Real Madrid – a club with 15 Champions League titles – or a homecoming to Manchester City proves tempting. Sources emphasise that while links exist, they remain speculative.
TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey reveals that Arsenal “can’t afford to lose Mikel Arteta,” urging the club to do “everything they can to keep hold of a manager who has transformed them into genuine contenders.” The board recognises his value, but top clubs’ interest complicates matters.
Could Mikel Arteta Return to Manchester City?
Arteta’s City roots run deep. He joined Guardiola’s backroom team in 2016, contributing to four Premier League titles and multiple domestic cups. This experience shaped his Arsenal philosophy, adopting possession-based football with a defensive edge.
Speculation persists that Arteta could succeed Guardiola, whose contract runs until 2027 but whose long-term future remains uncertain. CaughtOffside speculates it “could well be that he’d be tempted to go back to the Etihad Stadium as the long-term successor to his old mentor Pep Guardiola.” Yet, Arsenal’s heated rivalry with City – marked by controversial title races – might deter such a move. Arteta has repeatedly expressed loyalty to Arsenal, stating in past interviews his commitment to the project.
Why Might Real Madrid Pursue Arteta Over Other Candidates?
Real Madrid’s managerial search intensified after Xabi Alonso opted to stay at Bayer Leverkusen. Arteta’s Spanish heritage, combined with his success against top sides, makes him a fit. His teams press high, counter effectively, and thrive in big matches – traits Madrid admire.
TEAMtalk sources note Barcelona’s interest too, given Arteta’s La Liga playing career with Real Sociedad and Rangers. However, Madrid leads the speculation.
What Do Arsenal Fans and Experts Say?
Arsenal supporters are vocal on social media and forums, decrying any potential exit. One fan reaction, echoed in CaughtOffside comments, reads: “Arteta has rebuilt us from rock bottom – we can’t lose him now.” Experts agree; former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour told talkSPORT last month that Arteta deserves a “lifetime contract” for his revival work.
Club insiders, per TEAMtalk, prioritise tying Arteta down amid the January 2026 transfer window buzz. No official statements from Arsenal, but executive vice-chairman Tim Lewis hinted at stability in a recent club announcement.
Arsenal’s Recent Form Under Arteta
This season’s Premier League dominance – atop the table after 20 matches – stems from Arteta’s signings like Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard. Champions League progress adds pressure; a deep run could sway contract decisions.
Last term’s near-miss, losing the title to City on the final day, hardened resolve. Arteta’s adaptability, switching to a more pragmatic style when needed, has earned plaudits.
How Does Arteta Compare to Other Top Managers?
Arteta’s win percentage at Arsenal stands at 57% across 250+ games, per Transfermarkt data. Comparable to Guardiola’s early City days, it underscores his elite status. Pundit Gary Neville, on Sky Sports, praised Arteta as “the best young manager in Europe” post a recent 3-0 win over Liverpool.
Broader Implications for the Premier League
Arteta’s potential departure could reshape the title race. Manchester City, already dominant, would gain a proven tactician. Real Madrid’s pursuit might trigger a domino effect, with Arsenal linked to names like Roberto De Zerbi or Andoni Iraola.
Arsenal must act swiftly. As CaughtOffside urges, they need to “do everything they can” to retain him.
In summary, while offers loom, Arteta’s focus remains on Arsenal’s trophy hunt. Developments will unfold rapidly as contract talks progress.
