Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is crystal clear that he is not only looking for change, he wants the best at all levels. (a little unsure if he considers himself the best)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is back at the centre of the debate after a turbulent week at Real Madrid. The dismissal of Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa’s failed debut has once again ignited the search for a top-class manager to lead the next White project.
I know it will be difficult!
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Florentino Pérez does not want to improvise. The president believes that the current situation requires a manager with clear ideas, authority and the ability to lead a talented crew. According to DefensaCentral, Mikel Arteta fits that profile perfectly, as his development at Arsenal has not gone unnoticed.
Mikel Arteta, a name that sounds good in the Spanish capital
In England, there is open talk about the links between Mikel Arteta and Real Madrid, although the coach’s closest circle insists that these are currently only exploratory contacts. There are no formal negotiations, but there is mutual admiration.
The Basque coach’s work at Arsenal is unquestionable. He leads the Premier League with a solid lead and dominates the preliminary phase of the Champions League, consolidating a competitive and ambitious project.
That performance has aroused the interest of several European big teams. Real Madrid, who are in the middle of a fragile transition period, are watching the coach from San Sebastián closely.
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A solid project in London.
Mikel Arteta enters his seventh season at the Emirates Stadium with a balanced, young and mature squad. Arsenal have been on the verge of the league title for three seasons in a row and have taken a decisive step forward in Europe.
The London side have not won the Premier League since 2004 or conquered the Champions League, but the road is clear. The manager has given back identity, tactical rigor and competitiveness to a club that had years of instability.
Moreover, his contract lasts until June 2027. There is no renewal agreement, but there is no hurry either. The scenario calls for calm, even if the interest from Real Madrid introduces an unexpected variable.
Arteta’s past and the hurdles of signing.
The emotional bond between Mikel Arteta and Arsenal is deep. He was a player for five seasons and is a respected figure among fans. Since 2019, he has built his own legacy with the club firmly behind him.
This connection is one of the biggest obstacles for Florentino Pérez. Getting Arteta out of London would not be easy or cheap, either financially or institutionally.
In addition, there is his formative past at Barcelona and his excellent relationship with Pep Guardiola, factors that reinforce his profile as a modern coach, but also place him in a difficult position vis-à-vis the white supporters.
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Mikel Arteta, Real Madrid’s dream.
The recent contract extensions of William Saliba and Bukayo Saka strengthen stability at Arsenal. Both players consider Mikel Arteta crucial to their sporting development.
The London club know that keeping their coach is a priority to consolidate the project. But the coach’s closest circle does not rule out listening to suggestions if the sporting challenge justifies it.
Here, LaLiga emerges as a tempting scenario. Real Madrid offers global visibility, maximum pressure and the opportunity to compete for all titles every season.
Florentino dreams of Arteta.
Florentino Pérez appreciates Mikel Arteta’s ability to lead medium-term projects. He is looking for a coach who can mark an era, similar to what Zidane was in his time. The president believes that the locker room needs a strong, modern figure with a footballing message. Arteta meets these requirements, although his arrival would depend on many external factors.
For now, the coach remains focused on Arsenal, with the Premier League and Champions League as immediate targets. But the interest from Real Madrid is real and persistent. Mikel Arteta’s future seems to lie in London, but in the offices of Chamartín, they dream of seeing him lead the next big white project in La Liga.
There are strong forces in Real Madrid who want Jürgen Klopp, which will actually be easier given the situation.
