Mikel Arteta is reportedly under increasing pressure at Arsenal, with claims from Spain suggesting he could lose his job if the club fails to secure either the Premier League or Champions League title this season.

Now in his sixth full campaign in charge, Arteta had looked on course for a historic year not long ago, with Arsenal competing across all four major competitions. However, their hopes of a quadruple have since collapsed following defeats in both domestic cups. They were beaten by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final before suffering a shock FA Cup quarter-final exit to Southampton.

Despite those setbacks, Arsenal remain in a strong position in the league, still leading the title race they have not won since 2004. But their recent 2-1 loss at home to Bournemouth has reopened the door for City, raising fresh doubts about their ability to go all the way.

That defeat came shortly after a positive result in Europe, where Arsenal secured a 1-0 win over Sporting CP in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. The match appeared destined for a draw until a late goal from Kai Havertz handed them a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg in north London.

Following that European tie, attention will quickly shift to a high-stakes league encounter with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium—one that could prove decisive in the title race.

Amid this backdrop, questions are being raised about Arteta’s long-term future, especially if the team ends another season without silverware. Reports from Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo claim the club could part ways with the Spaniard after nearly seven years in charge should that scenario unfold.

The same reports suggest Arsenal may already have a successor in mind, identifying former captain Cesc Fabregas as a leading candidate. Fabregas enjoyed a lengthy spell at Arsenal during his playing career, winning the FA Cup under Arsene Wenger and reaching a Champions League final before moving to Barcelona.

He later returned to England with Chelsea, where he added further success before retiring in 2023 and transitioning into management. Since then, Fabregas has made a strong impression at Italian side Como, guiding them into contention for European qualification not long after their promotion to Serie A.

Como president Mirwan Suwarso recently acknowledged the growing interest in Fabregas, suggesting it would be unrealistic to expect him to remain at the club indefinitely. He indicated that opportunities at major sides such as Arsenal, Barcelona, or Chelsea could eventually come calling, given Fabregas’ rapid development as a coach.

Gary Neville has urged Arsenal to see their upcoming clash with Manchester City as a decisive opportunity to secure the Premier League title, following City’s dominant win over Chelsea.

The Gunners went into the weekend with a chance to extend their lead at the top to 12 points but fell short after another disappointing performance, losing to Bournemouth at the Emirates. It marked their third defeat in four league games, allowing City to close the gap and reignite the title race.

Pep Guardiola’s side responded emphatically, cruising to a 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. After a tight first half, City took full control in the second period, with goals from Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi, and Jeremy Doku sealing an impressive result against a Chelsea side pushing for Champions League qualification.

That result leaves City just six points behind Arsenal heading into a crucial showdown at the Etihad Stadium next weekend. According to Neville, while much of the focus will be on Arsenal’s recent dip in form, the bigger picture is clear—win that game, and they put themselves in a commanding position to end their long wait for a league title.

He suggested that although many expect City to continue closing the gap, Arsenal should approach the match with the mindset that victory would effectively bring them within touching distance of their first title since 2004.

Neville also pointed out that City appear to be hitting top form at exactly the right time, showing confidence and control as the season enters its decisive stretch. He believes their latest performance sends a strong message to Arsenal—not just in terms of results, but in the manner and authority with which they are playing.

Former City defender Micah Richards echoed that sentiment, describing the upcoming encounter as massive and expressing excitement over what’s to come. He отметил that City have done what they needed to by winning and keeping themselves in contention, giving their supporters renewed belief heading into a defining fixture.

Earlier in the season, Arsenal and City played out a 1-1 draw, with Gabriel Martinelli netting a late equaliser. More recently, Pep Guardiola got the better of Mikel Arteta in the Carabao Cup final, where City claimed a 2-0 win to lift the season’s first piece of silverware.

Michael Carrick has cautioned that Leeds United will provide a stern test when they take on Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The United coach highlighted the progress made by Leeds under Daniel Farke, noting their improved tactical approach and solid defensive structure. He pointed out that the visitors have become a serious threat, with noticeable adjustments in their style of play and a strong ability to stay organised at the back.

Following an extended gap between fixtures, Carrick also spoke about the mood within his squad, describing a renewed sense of energy and positivity since the players regrouped in training this week. According to him, the team looks refreshed and eager to return to action.

He expects the upcoming match to be highly competitive, emphasizing that it will demand a strong performance from his side to get a result.

Carrick also touched on the long-standing rivalry between the two clubs, acknowledging the passion and significance the fixture holds for supporters. He отметил that these kinds of high-intensity encounters are a big part of what makes football so compelling and widely loved.