Mikel Arteta’s days at Arsenal might be numbered, and one former Gunner is already predicting who will step into his shoes. But here’s where it gets controversial—Emmanuel Petit, a legendary figure in Arsenal’s history, believes Cesc Fabregas is the obvious successor, even as Arteta stands on the brink of achieving something unprecedented in English football: a historic quadruple sweep. With Arsenal currently favorites to lift the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup, Arteta’s tenure seems to be peaking. Yet, Petit argues it’s not a question of if Arteta leaves, but when—and where he’ll go next.
Petit, speaking to BetBrothers, boldly claims, 'Mikel Arteta will one day manage Barcelona. It’s inevitable.' The former midfielder points to Arteta’s strong connections with the Catalan club, suggesting that if the Spaniard were to leave Arsenal, Barcelona would be his top choice. And this is the part most people miss—Petit hints that Arteta’s future might not be tied to winning or losing at Arsenal. 'If he wins, he might leave. If he doesn’t, he might still leave,' Petit muses. 'It’s about what he truly wants for his career.'
The conversation then shifts to Fabregas, whose managerial rise at Serie A side Como has been nothing short of impressive. Petit highlights Fabregas’s growing authority, citing a recent incident where he publicly called out Alvaro Morata for a red card, a move Petit sees as a sign of his evolving leadership. 'He’s showing personality, showing he’s the boss,' Petit notes. 'And that’s why clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal will be watching him closely.'
But here’s the kicker: Is Fabregas ready for a top-tier job? While Petit is convinced, others might argue that his success at Como doesn’t automatically translate to managing a Premier League giant. And what about Arteta’s legacy? If he does leave, will he be remembered as a hero who delivered the quadruple, or as someone who jumped ship too soon? These are the questions that spark debate—and Petit’s predictions only add fuel to the fire.
So, what do you think? Is Arteta’s exit inevitable, and is Fabregas the right man to replace him? Or is Petit’s bold claim a bit premature? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation that’s sure to divide opinions.
