With uncertainty surrounding the future of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid manager, Mikel Arteta has previously made his feelings crystal clear about the possibility of him taking up tenure at the Bernabeu
Luke Thrower Trends Writer and Aaron Morris Senior Sports Reporter
18:05, 27 Nov 2025
Mikel Arteta speaks to the press
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Mikel Arteta has already dismissed the idea of managing Real Madrid(Image: David Price, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Mikel Arteta has already made his position clear regarding the managerial role at Real Madrid, amidst uncertainty surrounding the Spanish club's leadership.
It comes as Xabi Alonso faces mounting pressure, with not all players seemingly in agreement with his approach. Alonso took the reins at Bernabeu in June, leaving Bayer Leverkusen after a nearly three-year stint where he clinched a Bundesliga title, along with the DFB Pokal and the German Super Cup.
His return to Real Madrid has seen mixed results so far. With 14 victories from their first 18 matches this season, Los Blancos are leading in the La Liga standings and are also in a strong position in the Champions League. However, there is growing discontent among the players, with recent reports indicating dissatisfaction among some key squad members.
Mundo Deportivo reports that Vinicius Jr, Federico Valverde, Brahim Diaz, Rodrygo, Endrick, and Ferland Mendy are among those unconvinced by Alonso's methods. As doubts linger over his situation, there could be a potential change in the team's head coach.
It remains uncertain who Real Madrid might target if they decide to make a change, but the club has a history of pursuing top-tier talent. Given this, it wouldn't be surprising to see Arteta's name linked with a move, considering his commendable performances at Arsenal thus far, reports the Mirror.
Several factors suggest this wouldn't be feasible; notably, the manager's deep connections to Barcelona, where he progressed through their youth system. This rivalry is ingrained in him, and Arteta has previously dismissed the opportunity of managing Real when questioned about it two years ago.
At the time, he said: "Managers and players can't control what is written by the press. What I can tell is that I'm fully focused on what I'm doing here and extremely proud and grateful to do what I'm doing in this football club. That's it."
Xabi Alonso looks on
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Xabi Alonso's future at Real Madrid has been cast into speculation(Image: SOPA Images, SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The Spaniard has remained committed to his promise, choosing to stay with Arsenal on numerous occasions when alternative opportunities could have materialised elsewhere. Similar loyalty might be anticipated should the Real Madrid position, or indeed any other role, become available in the coming weeks, months, or potentially years.
Arteta remains determined to complete the rebuild he initiated at Arsenal in 2019, having already brought the club tantalisingly close to breaking their Premier League title drought. The Gunners currently lead the table after 12 fixtures, establishing a comfortable six-point advantage over their closest challengers in Chelsea.
Should they succeed in maintaining this form until May, it would mark their first championship in more than two decades, with their most recent title coming during Arsene Wenger's 'Invincibles' season of 2003/04. Numerous challenges could still emerge, despite Arteta's leadership, as previous campaigns competing at the summit have demonstrated.
Mikel Arteta holds his thumbs up
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Mikel Arteta has thrived at Arsenal as both a player and a manager(Image: Getty)
The advantage could grow even larger this weekend when Arsenal face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, with considerable optimism that the team can deliver a strong performance. The manager remains measured in his expectations, though, anticipating a challenging encounter ahead.
After securing a 3-1 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday, Arteta explained: "You just have to watch the game that they played against Barcelona yesterday to understand how difficult and tough and what a good team Chelsea are. So we know tomorrow, we start to prepare and we go from there."
While the Premier League trophy remains firmly in their sights, there's genuine belief they can mount serious challenges across multiple competitions to establish themselves amongst Europe's elite. Arsenal are strongly positioned in the Champions League to clinch a top-eight spot, with ambitions of surpassing last season's semi-final run.
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A Carabao Cup quarter-final awaits next month, while a full FA Cup campaign also lies ahead. All in all, the season demands Arteta's undivided attention, irrespective of developments elsewhere.
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