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Arsenal are understandably eager to see Mikel Arteta commit to a contract extension, but could winning both the Premier League and the Champions League prompt the Spanish manager to reconsider his future? Domestic supremacy has been re-established in north London, and with a historic European title within reach, Ray Parlour has shared with GOAL his thoughts on what might come next for the manager who has now spent six years in charge.

Trophies secured by Arteta as Arsenal’s head coach

After Unai Emery struggled to meet the expectations that came with succeeding Arsène Wenger, Arteta — who had been working closely with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City — returned to the Emirates Stadium in December 2019.

Despite having no prior experience leading a coaching team, he adapted swiftly to one of football’s toughest jobs and guided Arsenal to an FA Cup victory in 2020, followed by a Community Shield triumph later that same year. Another win in the traditional season curtain-raiser remained his only piece of silverware over the next five years.

During that period, Arsenal were rebuilt into genuine title challengers after previously enduring six years without Champions League qualification. However, they finished as runners-up behind Manchester City and Liverpool across three consecutive seasons.

Inevitable questions surfaced about the team’s mental strength and Arteta’s capacity to secure major titles. Those doubts were finally silenced in the 2025-26 campaign when Arsenal captured their first Premier League title since the legendary ‘Invincibles’ season of 2003-04. They also reached the Champions League final, where they are set to face Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday’s showpiece event.

Could a double triumph make Arteta reassess his future?

Arsenal are aiming to lift Europe’s most coveted trophy for the first time in their history. Should they succeed, could Arteta — whose current contract runs until the summer of 2027 — be tempted to seek a new challenge?

When asked about this possibility, Gunners legend Ray Parlour, speaking on behalf of Spreadex Sports, told GOAL: “I wouldn’t agree with that. I think considering where he’s taken the club from, the struggles they faced early on, and how the board kept faith in him, it’s a testament to perseverance.”

He added: “I remember talking with Edu and how the club continued to back Arteta. The fact that they’ve come through those difficult times and found success is something everyone will treasure.”

“It’s easy to replace a manager, but when you stick with someone, believe in them, provide the right resources, and then achieve success, it makes the story even more special. It proves that stability and faith in a long-term project really do pay off.”

Can Arteta match Wenger’s longevity in north London?

Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke has called securing Arteta’s new deal “an utmost priority.” Both the club hierarchy and the fanbase hope the 44-year-old can take inspiration from Wenger and become another long-term fixture in the dugout.

When asked if Arteta could emulate Wenger’s remarkable 22-year tenure, Parlour — who played under “Le Professeur” — said: “Why not? The stability he’s brought is part of Arsenal’s DNA. It’s given them a platform to compete consistently across all competitions.”

“The consistency over recent years has been fantastic. The appointment of sporting director Andrea Berta this year, his targeted recruitment, and the added squad depth all demonstrate how well Arsenal are being managed. Hopefully, the club continues in this positive direction.”

Historic Champions League glory at stake in Hungary

Arteta has been careful to deflect discussion about his future while Arsenal remain in the hunt for more major honours. He has repeatedly said that such matters will only be addressed once the season concludes.

That moment will come after the showdown with PSG in Budapest. The hope around north London is that jubilant celebrations in Hungary, as Arsenal rewrite the record books, will soon be followed by encouraging news about Arteta’s contract before the next transfer window opens.