Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes it is only a matter of time before Mikel Arteta leaves the Emirates to take charge of FC Barcelona.
Arteta has transformed Arsenal into genuine title contenders, guiding them to the summit of the Premier League and deep runs in the UEFA Champions League. But despite the club’s resurgence under the Spaniard, Petit believes his long-term future lies back in Catalonia.
Speaking to BetBrothers, the 1998 World Cup winner said Arteta’s ties to Barcelona where he developed through the famed La Masia academy make a return feel “inevitable.”
“Mikel Arteta will one day manage Barcelona, I think eventually we’ll see that,” Petit said. “The connections are strong.”
According to Petit, if Arteta does leave north London, it is more likely to be for a move abroad rather than to another English club. He suggested that the attraction of Camp Nou could ultimately outweigh any loyalty to Arsenal’s ongoing project.
Arsenal’s recent 4-1 North London Derby win against Tottenham Hotspurs has reduced the pressure on the title race, with rivals closing the gap at the top. Having finished as runners-up in recent seasons, pressure continues to mount on Arteta to finally deliver silverware.
Yet Petit believes the Spaniard’s decision may not hinge on results.
“If he wins, he will leave. If he doesn’t win, he will leave, I don’t know,” he said, suggesting that Arteta’s career ambitions could stretch beyond England regardless of how this campaign ends.
Fabregas Tipped as Ideal Replacement
Should Arteta eventually depart, Petit has already identified his preferred successor with former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.
Fabregas is currently making an impression as head coach of Italian side Como in Serie A, earning praise for his authority and tactical development.
Petit highlighted Fabregas’ handling of senior players, referencing a recent public criticism of Álvaro Morata after a red card incident as a sign of growing managerial maturity.
“For me, that’s showing personality, showing ‘I’m the boss,’” Petit said. “That’s a sign he’s going to be here for a while.”
The Frenchman added that Fabregas’ former clubs, including Arsenal and even Chelsea, could view him as a strong managerial candidate in the future, given his rapid progress in Italy.
While Arteta remains firmly in charge at the Emirates, Petit’s comments suggest that both a potential Barcelona reunion and a Fabregas return could shape Arsenal’s long-term future.
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