Real Madrid have reportedly moved ahead of Manchester City in the pursuit of Mikel Arteta, as the Spanish giants look to secure a world-class manager for the 2026/27 season.
While Manchester City have long viewed Arteta as the natural successor to Pep Guardiola, recent reports from CaughtOffside suggest that the fierce Premier League rivalry between Arsenal and City could pave the way for a move to the Santiago Bernabéu instead.
The “Etihad Obstacle”
Arteta’s history as Guardiola’s protégé at City initially made him the favorite for the Etihad job. However, with Arsenal and City currently locked in a bitter battle for Premier League supremacy, a direct move to a domestic rival is seen as increasingly unlikely.
Real Madrid aims to capitalize on this tension. Florentino Pérez is reportedly impressed by how the 43-year-old has transformed Arsenal into a European powerhouse, making him the top candidate to take over from interim manager Álvaro Arbeloa next summer.
Arsenal’s Resistance
The Gunners have no intention of letting their mastermind leave London. Since taking charge in 2019, Arteta has elevated Arsenal’s status to perennial title contenders. The board is aware that finding a replacement capable of maintaining this tactical identity would be a near-impossible task.
Despite the rumors, Arteta remains publicly committed to the Emirates, where his side currently leads the Premier League with a comfortable margin over both City and Liverpool.
Other Names on the Radar
While Arteta is the preferred choice, Real Madrid continues to monitor other elite profiles:
- Jurgen Klopp: The former Liverpool boss remains a dream target for the Madrid board.
- Xabi Alonso: Still a strong candidate following his success in Germany.
- José Mourinho: Recently linked with a sensational return, though the Portuguese manager has reportedly ruled out a comeback to the Bernabéu for now.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
