Arsenal set to consider sacking Arteta this summer on two major conditions
Arsenal will have “very difficult conversations” over the future of Mikel Arteta this summer on two key conditions, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
Arsenal face “title-defining” clash with Man City
Declan Rice demanded Arsenal must improve for Sunday’s Premier League “title-defining” match at Manchester City – as he vowed to eradicate the “hurt” of their Carabao Cup final defeat.
Arsenal and City will lock horns in a mammoth top-of-the-table clash at the Etihad Stadium this weekend with Mikel Arteta’s side guarding a six-point lead over their rivals.
However, City – fresh from an impressive 3-0 win at Chelsea – have a game in hand over an Arsenal side which recently slumped to a poor defeat against Bournemouth.
Arsenal recovered from their shock loss to book a place in the semi-finals of the Champions League following a goalless second-leg draw over Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates on Wednesday.
But the Gunners were below their best and have won just one of their last five matches.
Rice said: “There’s no beating around the bush. We have to perform better than we did against Bournemouth and you can say tonight (against Sporting as well).
“Recently, we probably have made too many errors than we have done in previous weeks. It’s about doing the basics a little bit better to a better level – just the five, 10-yard passes that we’re giving away a bit sloppily.
“And just that confidence with the ball, just taking more touches, relaxing on the ball, not feeling under pressure.
“The Etihad is the ultimate test – but it’s why we play this game. So, bring it on.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s mouthwatering clash, Rice – who overcame illness to play every minute of Arsenal’s second leg against Sporting – continued: “It’s beautiful and I can’t wait. It’s why we play the game.
“When you’re a kid watching games and when you’re watching the Premier League, you see these big matches, these title-defining moments and it comes down to if you’re going to be ready and how much do you want it?
“They’ve obviously been in really good form recently. No one’s going to hand you anything in this league.
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“There’s been a lot of noise but ultimately, it’s down to us as players. That’s why we’re professionals. That’s why we play this game.
“To go there and win would be a massive statement and look, these boys are ready. We spoke as a group. We know what’s required.”
David Ornstein drops Arteta future update
Speaking in a Q&A for The AthleticOrnstein answered questions from Gunners fans who are losing patience with Arteta amid Arsenal’s blip in form.
“I’m sure Arsenal want Mikel Arteta to continue into next season and beyond – he’s contracted until June 2027, at present – while it sounds from Arteta’s own words as though he wants the same,” he said.
However, the reliable reporter did suggest there will be “difficult” discussions to be had on two conditions – if the Spaniard fails to wrap up one of the two major trophies left to play for this season.
“If things go badly for them between now and the summer, I’m sure there will be some very difficult conversations, and it would be naive of me to say I can’t see a world in which he departs.”
While Ornstein did confirm the “intention” from both sides is to continue next season, it is clear Arteta is under increasing pressure if the Gunners cannot get at least one of their Premier League or Champions League pushes over the line.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Julian Nagelsmann if they decide to part ways with their former midfielder.
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The north Londoners have been approached by intermediaries.
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