“Could Guardiola’s departure save Arteta at Arsenal?”

Arsenal is on the brink of a historic crossroads, and controversy is already dominating conversations among fans: should Mikel Arteta remain in charge of the club if he fails to end the 22-year drought without winning the Premier League title? The division is clear and fierce. Some argue that the Spanish coach should be dismissed even if he secures the championship later this month.

But the truth is that, once again, Arteta’s future may be inextricably linked to Pep Guardiola, his former mentor and close friend, with whom he worked at Manchester City. The imminent end of the Guardiola era in English football, according to various media outlets, could be the green light for Arteta to move forward without any “shadows” at the Emirates Stadium.

Guardiola, considered one of the greatest managers in the history of the Premier League, may be experiencing his last season in England, and this is news that should be viewed positively for Arsenal and Arteta. After all, the departure of the master of Man City would open a new window of opportunity for the disciple in North London.

The Kroenke family, owners of Arsenal, apparently have no intention of letting go of their manager at such a delicate moment. Sacking him now, with the team so close to winning trophies, would be a strategic error. The only real possibility of a change in technical leadership would be if Arteta himself decided to leave, something that does not seem imminent, despite the physical and emotional toll the role demands.

The former Arsenal captain has invested immense energy into the project, but the truth is that so far he has only managed to lift the FA Cup as a trophy. His team is talented and, if kept together, has the potential to grow even more – but how many times have we heard that promise before?

The scenario is almost like the “boy who cried wolf”: the patience of the fans is wearing thin. However, Arteta’s continued presence would be easier to accept if it were confirmed that Guardiola is no longer in the way, removing the pressure of competing against one of the giants of world football.

For Arteta, the motivation to continue may lie precisely in this paradigm shift. If his mentor leaves the Premier League, the Spaniard may feel that it is his time to shine without obstacles.

Many believe that this season is crucial for the Spanish coach and his coaching staff. But would everything change if Guardiola ceased to be a direct rival? This is the big question that all Arsenal fans will have to answer in the coming months.

In the meantime, all eyes remain on the Emirates, where hope and pressure walk hand in hand. The season could determine the fate of Arteta – and Arsenal – at one of the most crucial moments in the club’s recent history.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.