'It's a known fact' - Mikel makes jaw-dropping prediction about the future of Arsenal manager Arteta

John Obi Mikel has issued a striking prediction about Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's future if he fails to secure the Premier League title next season.

Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, Mikel expressed doubts about Arsenal's ability to clinch the title, suggesting that Arteta should consider stepping down if he fails to deliver success by the end of the 2025/2026 campaign.

"It's Liverpool's to lose. I don't think Arsenal will win it. If Mikel Arteta doesn't win the league next season, I think he should leave the football club," Mikel stated.  

Arsenal, who have closely competed with Manchester City for the Premier League crown over the past three seasons, currently sit second in the table.

The Gunners have accumulated 40 points from 20 matches, trailing league leaders Liverpool by six points, with Arne Slot's side having played one game fewer.

Mikel highlighted Arsenal's heavy financial investment under Arteta, reportedly nearing £800 million, and warned that failure to win the league next season could warrant managerial changes.

"That's going to be seven seasons and you have spent close to 800 million. I don't think they are going to win the league this season. If he doesn't win the league next season, I think he should walk because City are going to be back," Mikel added.

The former Chelsea star also cautioned that Arsenal could face a mental hurdle if they continue to falter in the title race. 

He predicted that several top Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle, would strengthen significantly next season, making the challenge even tougher for Arteta's squad.

"Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle are going to get stronger. For me, the only time that Manchester City were struggling, for me this is when Arsenal should have been there," Mikel remarked.

He further criticized Arsenal's inability to handle pressure in the title race: "I keep saying it yearly they will bottle it. That's Arsenal, it's a known fact. Arsenal can't find a way to win the league. It is a mental side of things, I think mentally, obviously because they have been fighting with City for the past three years, I think that has drained them because they have not been able to get over the line. They can't sustain that pressure, we can see that this year."

The Nigerian also raised concerns about injuries in Arsenal's squad, particularly the absence of Bukayo Saka. 

Mikel stressed the importance of Saka's attacking influence alongside Martin Odegaard and how his absence weakens the team significantly.

"And when you have your best player, now he's going to be out till March, that's the worry. And Odegaard when he doesn't have a Saka, it's still not the same because they both combine really well on that right-hand side."

"When you have a player like Saka out that can get you goals and create chances, it's a worry for Mikel Arteta. He needs to find a way to win games."

Concluding his remarks, Mikel reiterated his stance on Arteta's future: "For me, it's a worry, if he doesn't win the league next season, I think he should raise his hands and walk. That's what I believe because that's going to be his seventh season."

"I think the Arsenal fans will agree with me on that, sometimes you can take a team to a level, if you think you can't get them over the line, then walk."

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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