Mikel Arteta 'needs to change the feeling around his name' to match levels of childhood friend Xabi Alonso - and could rival Real Madrid's new boss with Barcelona

While Arteta has instilled a clear identity and playing style at Arsenal, his lack of sustained success has left many calling for more than just improvement. This season, the Gunners' hopes of ending their prolonged title drought were dashed yet again after a disappointing exit in the Champions League semi-finals against Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal's most recent success dates back to 2020, when they lifted the FA Cup with a final victory over Chelsea. Despite closing in on a third runner-up finish in the Premier League and making strides in Europe, Arteta has fallen just short of delivering glory to the north London faithful.

Meanwhile, Alonso’s stock has soared during his tenure at Bayer Leverkusen. The Spanish tactician, who is expected to take over at Real Madrid next season, has posted a remarkable 63 per cent win rate over two-and-a-half seasons in charge. Under his stewardship, Leverkusen not only clinched the Bundesliga title but did so in record-breaking fashion, completing the season without a single defeat in domestic competition.

Arteta is under pressure to deliver a trophy to the Emirates Stadium soon and ex-Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit says failure to do so will damage his image as a coach. He said In an interview with BesteOnlineCasinoNederland, : "We all know the link between Barcelona and those who have spent time at the club, Mikel Arteta wasn’t there for long but there is a connection there.

"I think the work that Mikel Arteta has done with Arsenal is very good, but he needs to win a big trophy. He needs to change the feel around his name or it will always be that he failed at the last step. He is managing one of the biggest clubs in the world and he has to change that feeling."

Petit pointed out that Alonso’s trajectory demonstrates the difference between potential and execution: "Alonso looks like he is going to Real Madrid because he has transformed Bayer Leverkusen, and the mentality of the entire club. Mikel Arteta needs to change the feeling around his name and that will be the important factor."

As the Gunners prepare for yet another summer of rebuilding and reflection, Arteta will be under increasing pressure to deliver a major trophy. Only then can he begin to shake off the perception that he falters at the final hurdle and finally carve out a legacy that matches his early promise.