Mikel Arteta
The manager who ended Arsenal's 22-year wait for the title.
- Role
- Manager
- Club
- Arsenal
- Born
- 26 March 1982
- Birthplace
- San Sebastián, Spain
About Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta learned management at close quarters. A Barcelona academy midfielder who made his name at Rangers, Real Sociedad and Everton, he captained Arsenal from 2014 until he retired in 2016, then spent three years as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City. Arsenal brought him back as head coach in December 2019, and he won the FA Cup in his first half-season, beating Chelsea in the final.
He rebuilt the squad around youth and a heavy press, and after three straight second-place finishes Arsenal won the 2025/26 Premier League, their first league title in 22 years and the first since Arsène Wenger's Invincibles. The same season took them to the Champions League final, where they lost to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in Budapest. Arteta was named Premier League Manager of the Season.
Playing style
Control-first, built on Guardiola's principles: patient build-up, an inverted full-back or box midfield, a high rest-defence, and set-piece routines drilled into a real scoring weapon.
- Positional build-upControlled possession and structured progression
- Set piecesA dedicated specialist and a genuine goal source
- High pressAggressive counter-press behind a high line
Clubs managed
- Guardiola's assistant through two Premier League titles and a domestic treble.Manchester City (assistant)2016–2019
- The FA Cup in his first half-season, then the 2025/26 league title and a Champions League final.Arsenal2019–present
Honours
- 1Premier League2025/26, Arsenal's first in 22 years
- 1FA Cup2020, beating Chelsea in the final
- 2FA Community Shield2020 and 2023, both won on penalties
Records
Frequently asked
Sources
Reference facts (honours, records, clubs managed) are sourced above. Current job and squad details reflect the date this page covers and can change.
Last updated