Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has advised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to consider stepping down if he fails to secure either the Premier League title or UEFA Champions League trophy in the upcoming season.

Arteta's Arsenal finished the previous season without silverware, claiming second place in the Premier League behind champions Liverpool. The North London club also fell short in European competition after being eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals.

Mikel's Ultimatum for Arteta

Speaking to talkSPORT, Mikel questioned whether Arteta is the right manager to elevate Arsenal to championship status. "Is [Mikel Arteta] the guy to take Arsenal to the next level? I think he has built a really, really good team there," Mikel stated.

"They are solid, they are playing well. The next level is winning the Premier League and the Champions League. He has been there for five or six years, I give him one more year," the former Nigeria international continued.

Mikel delivered a clear verdict on Arteta's future: "If he does not do it [win Premier League or Champions League], I think for his sake it's better to just walk. Then he's not the manager to be able to do it. Get someone new."

Arsenal's Recent Performance

Despite showing significant improvement under Arteta's leadership, Arsenal has now gone two consecutive seasons as Premier League runners-up. The club has demonstrated progress in European competitions but still lacks the major trophies that would cement their return to elite status.

Arsenal recently announced several player departures as they prepare for the upcoming season, signaling potential squad restructuring to strengthen their title challenge.

With mounting pressure from former players and pundits, the 2025-26 season could prove decisive for Arteta's tenure at the Emirates Stadium.