Reports in Spain say Mikel Arteta could be sacked as Arsenal manager if he fails to deliver either the Premier League or UEFA Champions League title this season, according to Metro.
The development comes a day after an Arsenal supporter in Uganda, Eric Kyama, threatened legal action against the club, alleging “emotional distress” following the team’s 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta, in his sixth full season in charge, had been on course for a historic campaign as Arsenal competed across four competitions. However, the club’s hopes of a quadruple ended after defeats to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and to Southampton in the FA Cup quarterfinal.
Arsenal remain contenders for the Premier League title, which they have not won since 2004. But Saturday’s loss to Bournemouth has boosted the chances of rivals Manchester City.
The Gunners had an opportunity to move 12 points clear of City, managed by Pep Guardiola, but the defeat has raised fresh doubts over their title bid.
The setback came four days after Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Portuguese champions Sporting CP in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal, with Kai Havertz scoring a late winner.
Arsenal face Sporting in the second leg in London on Wednesday before turning attention to a key league clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported that Arsenal would consider replacing Arteta if the team finishes a sixth consecutive season without a trophy. The report added that former captain Cesc Fabregas has been identified as a potential successor.
Fabregas spent nearly a decade at Arsenal as a player under Arsene Wenger, winning the FA Cup and reaching the Champions League final before moving to Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Kyama’s threat of legal action has drawn attention online. In a document styled as a formal complaint, he accused Arsenal of professional negligence, tactical inconsistency and causing “emotional and financial distress.”
