Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain or Barcelona? Julien Laurens considers where Xabi Alonso’s ‘twin’ Mikel Arteta could go after Arsenal
Updated 12/12/2025 at 21:45 GMT
TNT Sports expert Julien Laurens believes Mikel Arteta would land a job at one of the very best clubs in Europe if he was to leave Arsenal, amid pressure on Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid. The French journalist admits he could see a future where Arteta is at the helm at Barcelona, PSG or Real Madrid, although he is not sure he would be the right fit for Los Blancos due to his management style.
'He has a lot to offer' - Arteta rules out January exit for Jesus
Video credit: SNTV
After overseeing a huge upturn in fortunes at Arsenal, would Mikel Arteta have his choice of clubs should he decide to leave north London?
Amid pressure on Xabi Alonso’s job at Real Madrid, that is the view of TNT Sports expert Julien Laurens.
The Madrid manager arrived in the Spanish capital to much fanfare, but after a run of just two wins in seven matches since the return from the international break, speculation has begun about who could replace him at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal host winless Wolverhampton Wanderers live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Saturday evening, with Arteta’s side in a commanding position at the top of both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League tables.
As a result, Arteta is likely to be sought after by the very biggest clubs in world football.
Laurens feels that Arteta and Alonso are too similar for that switch to take place now, but he can envisage a future where the Gunners boss is in the dugout of some of the other clubs he played for in the past.
Asked by Andy Goldstein on TNT Sports’ Friday Night Live if Arteta would be in the conversation for the role at Madrid, Laurens replied: "I would say yes, for the level that he is at.
"But then you are taking the same profile of manager as Xabi Alonso, who you have sacked because it was not working.
"I think if they sack Alonso, it is to go in a completely different direction, more towards the Carlo Ancelotti kind of profile, which is not Mikel [Arteta]. Mikel is like Xabi Alonso.
"They are twins when you think about structure, organisation, all of that kind of stuff in that sense.
"So, I think if he ever leaves Arsenal, he would be on the radar of top clubs like Barcelona, for example, where he obviously played before, like a PSG where he played before as well.
"I think he is that good and he will win trophies at some point. I don’t know if it will be this season with Arsenal or later but I think he is that good."
- Ally vs Fletch Premier League predictions: Arsenal to inflict more pain on Wolves, Sunderland to beat Newcastle
- How to watch and live stream Arsenal v Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on TNT Sports and discovery+
- Salah recalled to Liverpool squad for Brighton Premier League clash after Arne Slot has 'conversation'
Arsenal have finished second in each of the last three seasons in the Premier League and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season for the first time since 2009.
After a successful summer window, which saw Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi, Piero Hincapie and Kepa Arrizabalaga arrive at the Emirates, The Gunners have impressed throughout the campaign.
A barrage of injuries has seen their lead at the top of the Premier League fade, and Laurens is convinced that is the only thing that can stop them from winning the title.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/12/10/image-6c7655f6-912a-4690-a893-d9ffce67bf87-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Highlights: Madueke stars as Arsenal vanquish Brugge
Video credit: TNT Sports
When asked if he was surprised about Arsenal’s title charge, he added: "Personally I am not, you have seen the progress, especially in the last three years.
"I know they came close in the league and second is not good enough, I get that, but you have seen how he has developed players individually, how collectively this team has gone to this level, to reach this level, because they are a machine.
"What he wants of them and sometimes he is maybe even a little bit too demanding I think in what he wants from them on a daily, hourly basis.
"But he is that kind of manager, he just has his eyes on everything of what they do at the training ground, in games.
"I think the only thing that can stop them is injuries, again, which is the same for everyone, not just Arsenal.
"But because they have a bit of history there, from the last few seasons and from the start of this season, I think that is the only thing for me that could derail that machine."
How to watch Arsenal v Wolves?
Arsenal v Wolves will be live on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and discovery+.
TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD.
You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
To find out where your local establishments showing TNT Sports are, use our Pub Finder.
For the latest information on which football matches are on TNT Sports, click here.
Here is the TNT Sports schedule and TV guide. And for the full Premier League schedule, click here.
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement