“Always comes second”- Ex-Chelsea man Mikel Obi voices frustration at Arteta’s failure to deliver trophies at Arsenal

Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has expressed his dissatisfaction at Mikel Arteta's lack of silverware at Arsenal despite spending six years in charge and spending a lot of money on transfers, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Gunners confirmed their place in next season's UEFA Champions League after defeating Newcastle United 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

With just one game left to play this season, Arsenal have also sealed second place in the English Premier League.

Before this campaign, the Gunners finished second behind Manchester City in the previous two seasons, and it seemed like Pep Guardiola was the only hurdle stopping them from winning the Premier League.

However, the Cityzens have been poor this season. But the Gunners have failed to capitalize, as Liverpool sealed their status as League champions last week.

On the continent, it looked like Arsenal were on to something after defeating Real Madrid in the quarterfinal of the Champions League. But they lost to PSG in the semifinal.

Arsenal were also knocked out of the FA Cup in the round of 64 and the League Cup in the semifinal.

With the season already over, the jury is out on Arteta, as he has only the FA Cup to show for his six years at the club.

The Spanish tactician has spent over €700 million on signings, and many fans and pundits believe he should be doing better. In fact, there are even calls for his sack.

Former Nigeria and Chelsea midfielder Mikel is one of those who thinks Arteta has underperformed. He believes that the Spaniard should be able to produce silverware with the time and money he has spent on the job.

Mikel Arteta: Everything Mikel Obi said about Arsenal boss

“It's about winning trophies, yes he got there, but he didn't get them over the line. It's the same thing, he always comes second,” Mikel said.

“It is always next season about Arsenal, and now we are talking about next season. Now he wants to spend again in the summer. He's spent €700-800 million over six years, that's a lot of money.

“It’s always next season about Arsenal…”

Mikel Obi is dragging Mikel Arteta’s side. pic.twitter.com/MOYnUw6HxF

— @ (@OneJoblessBoy) May 18, 2025

“Arteta has been there for the past six-seven years. These are his players, this is his team, so he has not excuses.

“For somebody who has been there for that long and spent so much money and just winning just one FA Cup, that's not enough.”

Will Mikel Arteta stay at Arsenal?

Although Arsenal are yet to win trophies, the team has obviously improved since Mikel Arteta took charge. The board does not seem to be in a hurry to sack him.

As such, it is expected that Arteta will stay at Arsenal beyond this season. They are expected to make some signings this summer, so that should boost the club's chances of winning trophies next season.

However, if the status quo remains the same next season, Arteta might be moved on.