Is it time for Mikel Arteta to leave Arsenal?

The debate over Mikel Arteta’s future at Arsenal seems to resurface every time the Gunners fall short in the title race. But let’s be honest—calls for his departure are incredibly short-sighted.

Since taking charge, Arteta has transformed Arsenal from a side struggling for identity into a genuine force at the top of English football. He’s taken a club that was drifting in mediocrity and built a team capable of competing with arguably one of the greatest sides this league has ever seen.

THIS TEAM ✊ pic.twitter.com/BlaJM9f1Sd

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 2, 2025

Yes, Arsenal have yet to clinch the Premier League title under his leadership, and yes, there have been moments of frustration—matches they should have won, points dropped at crucial stages. But context is key. Five years ago, if you’d told Arsenal fans they’d be finishing as consistent title challengers, most would have laughed you off.

Arteta’s Problems

The reality is that Arteta has elevated Arsenal to a level they haven't been at in years. The lack of an elite striker? That’s not on him. He’s made this team rise from the ashes like a phoenix, instilling a winning mentality and a tactical discipline that had been missing for years.

There has been some drama behind the scenes which Arteta has dealt with out of the public eye, such as the situation surrounding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Granit Xhaka’s captaincy. These exchanges have shown that he is an excellent manager and that he knows what is best for a dressing room.

Pull The Trigger

Clubs such as Manchester United have started to look at Arsenal as an example of how to rebuild and will hope that Ruben Amorim can take United to a similar level as Arteta have taken the Gunners.

In an era where clubs are quick to pull the trigger on managers, it would be foolish to turn their backs on Arteta now. If Arsenal were to part ways with him, who realistically steps in and does a better job? The truth is, there aren’t many—if any—out there. Arteta has earned the right to continue this project, and Arsenal fans should be careful what they wish for. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.