Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta came close to taking charge of Newcastle United in the summer of 2019, just months before his eventual appointment at the Emirates Stadium.
According to The Telegraph’s Sam Dean, Newcastle’s former owner Mike Ashley made a determined attempt to recruit Arteta following Rafael Benitez’s departure from St James’ Park.
The revelations feature in Dean’s new book, Arsenal: The Inside Story of Arsenal’s Rebirth Under Mikel Arteta, which explores the Spaniard’s rise and subsequent success in north London.
Ashley reportedly identified Arteta as his preferred candidate and was prepared to offer him an unusually lengthy contract despite his lack of managerial experience.
Arteta was working as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City and had yet to take charge of a senior team.
However, the opportunity appealed to him, with Newcastle’s passionate supporters and potential for improvement making the position an attractive first managerial challenge.
The Magpies had finished 13th in the Premier League during the 2018-19 campaign, comfortably avoiding relegation under Benitez.
Nevertheless, several factors complicated the proposed appointment.
Benitez’s popularity among Newcastle supporters meant his successor would face considerable pressure, particularly given the widespread dissatisfaction with Ashley’s ownership.
Newcastle had also lost two influential attackers, with Ayoze Perez joining Leicester City and Salomon Rondon departing after his successful loan spell.
The pair had contributed 23 of Newcastle’s 42 league goals the previous season, leaving significant attacking concerns.
Arteta’s inability to assemble his preferred coaching staff ultimately emerged as another obstacle.
The Spaniard reportedly approached several individuals about joining him on Tyneside, demonstrating how seriously he considered accepting the position.
However, the timing proved unsuitable for those he wanted alongside him.
Arteta eventually rejected Newcastle’s approach, much to the frustration of Ashley and the club’s hierarchy.
Newcastle subsequently appointed Steve Bruce, while Arteta remained at Manchester City until Arsenal came calling in December 2019.
Arsenal appointed their former midfielder following Unai Emery’s dismissal, beginning a managerial project that would transform the club’s fortunes.
Arteta guided the Gunners to FA Cup success in his first season before gradually rebuilding the squad into genuine Premier League contenders.
That progress culminated in Arsenal winning their first league title in 22 years during the 2025-26 campaign.
The Gunners also reached the Champions League final, narrowly losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
Arteta has since established himself among Europe’s leading managers, making Newcastle’s unsuccessful pursuit an intriguing turning point in his career.
Had the Spaniard accepted Ashley’s offer, Arsenal’s recent history might have unfolded very differently.