Pep Guardiola’s Man City exit decision helps Arsenal as Mikel Arteta targets long-term success

There is little debate that Pep Guardiola is the best manager in the world at the current best team in the world and the combination of the two alongside some considerable investment, over £1.3billion since he arrived, has allowed for Manchester City to become the most dominant force in the sport. The news broken by the Mail claiming that the Spaniard will step down at the end of the next season will therefore come as a relief to many.

For Arsenal, the Gunners have been the closest rivals to Guardiola for the last two seasons in the Premier League. They finished just two points behind them in the title race and were just one win in a record-breaking season of their own, from lifting their first league title since 2004.

The news of Guardiola’s upcoming potential exit has provided some context for Arsenal and their rivals. As Liverpool have waved goodbye to Jurgen Klopp and appointed Arne Slot while Manchester United’s managerial situation remains up in the air and Chelsea have yet to appoint a replacement for the dismissed Mauricio Pochettino, the Gunners look the best placed to continue their fight at the top.

Mikel Arteta may only have one year remaining on his own Arsenal contract but there is an expectation that he will indeed renew his deal with the club, signing on for several seasons. This will of course extend into the next era of Man City.

Suggestions over replacements for Guardiola do include Arteta himself, although he has spoken openly of not being finished with his work in north London. It is a reality, Arteta leaving, Arsenal fans will have to realise one day but seemingly not for some time.

The other main candidate is Girona head coach Michel. Having just finished third behind Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga, above Atletico Madrid, Athletic Club and plenty of other top Spanish sides.

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Having started his head coaching career just two years before Arteta with Rayo Vallecano in 2017, having been the assistant for five years prior to taking the role, he is yet to gain any experience outside of Spain, however. Arsenal would be looking to exploit the transition at City and move into the role as England’s dominant force.

Even without Guardiola and with whoever comes in to take over, City have an amazing squad full of brilliantly talented players. Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol remain top young stars who will be with the club long past Guardiola’s exit.

That said, the experienced heads of Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva do look like they are reaching the end of the careers with City at a similar time to their manager. Arsenal meanwhile have a core group who look ready to fight on for at least the next half decade and likely longer.