Manchester City made a move to bring Mikel Arteta back to the Etihad Stadium, aiming to fill Pep Guardiola’s shoes as his contract approaches its end. According to reports, City were keen on bringing back their former assistant manager, hoping he could lead the club once Guardiola stepped down. Arteta, who spent over three years at City working under the Spanish manager, left in 2019 to take charge of Arsenal, and his success with the Gunners has caught the attention of his former club.

Arteta’s time at City saw him develop as a coach, learning from one of the most successful managers in world football. His move to Arsenal came at a time when the north Londoners were struggling to regain their stature in English football. The club was looking for a fresh direction, and hiring Arteta, a former player and captain, seemed like the right step. Initially, things were rocky, but Arteta has since transformed the Gunners into a Premier League powerhouse once again. The last two seasons have seen them finish second in the league, and they’ve returned to the Champions League, re-establishing themselves as a top-tier team.

Did Manchester City want Mikel Arteta as their new manager?

With Arteta’s contract set to expire in 2025, there was speculation about his next move. Manchester City, in particular, were eager to bring him back, especially with Guardiola’s future in question. The Catalan manager’s contract is due to expire within the next year, and while City would undoubtedly like to keep him, Guardiola holds the cards in deciding his future. In case he chooses to leave, City viewed Arteta as the ideal candidate to take over the reins.

However, Arsenal have acted swiftly to secure their manager’s future. They extended Arteta’s contract for another two years, tying him down to a deal that now runs until 2026. The Gunners made the announcement during the international break, signaling their intent to maintain stability and continue building on their recent successes. For Arsenal fans, who were a bit underwhelmed by the club’s transfer window, the news of Arteta committing his future is a positive development.

Opinion:

City’s interest in Arteta highlights how highly regarded he has become within the footballing community. His work at Arsenal, turning a struggling side into title contenders, has impressed not just fans but top clubs across Europe. City may have hoped to lure him back, but it’s clear Arteta has chosen to stick with the project he’s building in north London.

In my opinion, Arsenal made a smart move in securing Arteta’s future. The stability he brings is vital, especially with the progress the club has made in the last couple of seasons. City’s interest is a testament to his growing reputation, but for Arsenal, keeping him is a statement of intent. With Arteta at the helm, the Gunners look well-positioned to continue challenging for major honors in the years to come. City, meanwhile, may need to turn their attention elsewhere if they lose Guardiola.