Alan Shearer believes Mikel Arteta "might not be at Arsenal" next season in a bold statement ahead of the North London Derby against fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
Arsenal sit top of the Premier League table, leading second-placed Manchester City by five points, but stuttered in the title race on Wednesday night, letting a two-goal lead slip at rock bottom Wolves to draw 2-2.
City now have a game in hand on the Gunners and can cut that deficit to just two points, with a huge game between the two sides to come at the Etihad Stadium in April.
Wolves Draw Leads To Questions Over Arsenal Mentality
Riccardo Calafiori watches on inside the Arsenal goal after Wolves equalise
Arsenal have finished in second place in each of the last three Premier League campaigns, twice to City and once to Liverpool last season, coming so close to winning the title for the first time since 2004 on each occasion.
But they have not managed to get over the line and there are questions over their mentality now, following that stalemate with Wolves.
The draw with Rob Edwards' side meant it is only two wins in their last seven games - not exactly title-winning form as City chase them down at the top of the table.
And Shearer - who won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers in 1995, thinks missing out on the title this year could lead to irreversible damage, particularly when it comes to Arteta's future at the club.
Shearer Admits Arsenal 'Have To Win' The Title This Season
Former Newcastle United player and manager Alan Shearer
Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer said: "They’ll probably still win it, just.
"I never expected Arsenal to do it the easy way, I always knew there were going to be bumps and everything else, nervy times.
"People are going to be chucking questions and bombs and you have to get over that. I did expect this to happen. Let’s see what they are made of.
"If he doesn’t win the league he might not be at Arsenal. After the chances they have had to win it and finishing second, with what they have spent on the players they have got and the positions they are in, they have to win it."
Games do not come bigger than the North London Derby, but Shearer believes it could be the perfect game for Arteta's men.
"I think if you need a game after what has happened then it is not a bad one to have in your local rivals," he admitted.
"I know they have a new manager and it is away, but what a response it would be to go and win at Tottenham at the weekend."
Could Arteta Leave Arsenal This Summer?
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta before facing Inter Milan
We asked AI to deliver its verdict on Arteta leaving the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season.
There is a 'low to moderate' probability of Arteta leaving if Arsenal continue competing strongly and the board sticks with stability, according to ChatGPT. There is a 'moderate to high risk only if results collapse dramatically or there’s an unmistakable loss of confidence from leadership'.
ChatGPT states that Arteta has a contract until 2027, suggesting Arsenal are not planning an immediate exit. There has also been no firm interest or approach from other clubs. Media speculation mostly centres on pressure rather than confirmed moves — pundits talk about possible sacking after failure, not actual negotiations.
Chat GPT states: In short, Arteta leaving this summer isn’t the most likely outcome right now, but it becomes far more plausible if Arsenal fail to win silverware and their season collapses in dramatic fashion.
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