Arsenal seemingly face a summer battle to retain the services of Mikel Arteta with his exploits for the Gunners bringing him on to the radar of one of the world’s leading clubs.

The Gunners opted to make something of a maverick choice when opting for Arteta as the successor to Unai Emery in December 2019. Indeed, he had yet to manage at a senior level, previously learning his trade under Pep Guardiola as Manchester City’s No 2.

Thankfully for Arsenal, the apprentice has learned plenty of tricks from the master and Arteta has proved a brilliant appointment by the Gunners.

He led them to the FA Cup during his first season at the helm. And while he has hide to ride out a couple of periods of unease – most notably at the start of the 2021/22 season when they lost their opening three games – Arsenal’s loyalty has proved well placed.

As it stands, the Gunners are currently top of the Premier League with a five-point buffer on City. And hopes are burning bright that Arteta can lead Arsenal to their first domestic league title in 19 long years.

They have 12 games remaining and their destination is very much in their own hands.

However, Arsenal’s exploits under Arteta are getting attention elsewhere.

And according to reports in Spain, Arteta is fast becoming a firm contender to become the next Real Madrid boss.

Per reports, Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is considering a successor for under-fire boss Carlo Ancelotti.

READ MORE: Arsenal put three senior stars up for sale as Stan Kroenke clears path for two blockbuster signings

Real Madrid ‘ready to sack’ Carlo Ancelotti

The reigning European champions are on course to reach the quarter-finals of the competition once again. And after a 5-2 win at Liverpool in the first leg of their last-16 tie, few would back against them progressing.

However, while their form in Europe remains in no doubt, it is their regression on the domestic front which leaves cause for concern.

They are currently nine points behind rivals Barcelona in the La Liga title race and seem certain to surrender their title.

And their recent loss at home to the Blaugrana in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg reportedly left Perez ‘very angry’.

But worse was seemingly to come after Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Real Betis at Benito Villamarin Stadium.

Reports claim that Perez was left alarmed by the performance and came down to discuss his feelings with Ancelotti after the game.

They note it is very rare for the president to offer his imput in first-team duties, suggesting all is not right at Real right now.

And it’s also claimed the atmosphere around the club is ‘not the best’ at the moment amid speculation Ancelotti is facing the axe.

Real Madrid target Mikel Arteta as next manager

As a result, Spanish publication Blanca Remontada claims Perez is ready to switch his focus towards Arteta.

And with a contract expiring in 2025, Perez seemingly thinks it might be possible to lure the Spaniard away from the Gunners.

Arteta is, of course, extremely content right now living in London and it would take something special to lure him away.

However, Real Madrid are one of the few clubs in world football who can claim to be bigger than Arsenal.

And any firm approach from Real would certainly give Arteta plenty to ponder given the progress he has made at Arsenal.

As a result, it is hard to see him jumping ship with such exciting times on the horizon at Emirates Stadium.

READ MORE: The longest serving managers in English football: Liverpool boss Klopp in third place, Man Utd’s Ten Hag mid-table…

The article Arsenal concern with Mikel Arteta wanted by ‘very angry’ Euro giants with star manager ‘facing the sack’ appeared first on Teamtalk.com.