Mikel Arteta sack claim made as ‘£760m stadium plan’ emerges | Football | Sport
Arsenal are firmly in the mix at the top of the Premier League following their thrilling last-minute win at Newcastle. Mikel Arteta‘s squad return to domestic action this Saturday against West Ham, after a midweek European clash with Olympiacos, and could potentially finish the weekend at the summit of the league if other results fall in their favour.
Despite a series of second-place finishes, manager Arteta is under some pressure to add to his single FA Cup triumph during his nearly five-year tenure. However, the club has been effectively preparing for the future, with William Saliba being the most recent senior player to commit to a new contract.
Arteta, along with transfer chief Andrea Berta, have done well to bolster the team, with Martin Zubimendi standing out in particular since his summer arrival. Noni Madueke has also shown promise, despite an unfortunate injury in the recent draw against Manchester City.
The Gunners’ next league rivals have claimed victory in their last two trips to the Emirates Stadium under two different managers. David Moyes secured a 2-0 win in December 2023, while Graham Potter was at the helm last season when West Ham defeated a 10-man Arsenal team by a solitary goal.
Potter has since stepped aside, with ex-Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo now leading the Hammers, but it’s his counterpart who is under scrutiny here. These are the latest updates around north London.
Stadium expansion plan
When Arsenal relocated to their new ground in 2006, considerable emphasis was placed on the Emirates Stadium’s reputation as a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art facility. This continues to be true, despite rival clubs having undertaken stadium relocations of their own, though details regarding the next stage of redevelopment have now surfaced.
The Mail reports that Otto Maly will spearhead the proposals. Maly played a crucial role in constructing SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, which serves as home to the Los Angeles Rams, providing him with expertise in major projects within significant cities, with that venture reportedly costing approximately £4billion.
Given that construction has yet to commence, all timescales and expenses remain provisional. Nothing is anticipated to begin until after the 2026/27 campaign. Initial reports indicate the project might cost roughly twice the £380m required to build Arsenal‘s ground almost two decades ago, despite the new plans adding fewer than 10,000 additional seats.
Arteta sack prediction
Arsenal icon Robert Pires fears another season without silverware might encourage the Gunners hierarchy to dismiss Mikel Arteta. Following their FA Cup triumph in 2020, Arteta has been unable to deliver trophies despite the club investing heavily in its squad, although they did extend the title challenge until the final day in 2024.
“In my opinion, if Arsenal don’t win a trophy this year, the management will consider finding another coach,” Pires told Foot Mercato. “He’s been there for five years and unfortunately, the title has eluded him. What’s important for the fans is the championship.
“Money was spent in the summer transfer window. He made certain demands, which were met by the Arsenal board. If Arsenal don’t win the championship, I think there will definitely be a change on the bench.
“It’s not going to be easy because you have Liverpool, you have Man City who are there, Chelsea won’t be far behind. But I think Arsenal holds the cards and have the players to win the title.”