Tick Many Boxes: PSG Interest in Hiring Mikel Arteta Revealed

Mikel Arteta a Candidate for Paris Saint-Germain in 2023

As Mikel Arteta steers Arsenal into another deep Champions League run, there’s a curious subplot that many fans may not be aware of. The Spaniard, who has overseen the Gunners’ transformation from perennial underachievers to legitimate Premier League title contenders, was reportedly considered for one of the most high-profile managerial posts in world football—Paris Saint-Germain. According to French outlet L’Équipe, Mikel Arteta ‘ticked many boxes’ during PSG’s managerial search in 2023.

The Arsenal Rebuild: Mikel Arteta’s Journey from Hopeful to Hero

Appointed as Arsenal’s head coach in December 2019 following the departure of Unai Emery, Mikel Arteta’s return to North London was met with cautious optimism. Many wondered whether the former assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City could make the step up to managing a club with the stature—and struggles—of Arsenal.

Fast-forward to 2023, and Mikel Arteta has guided Arsenal back to the top end of English football. After winning the FA Cup in his debut season—an early glimmer of his potential—the Spaniard began laying the foundations for a youthful, dynamic, and tactically sharp side.

The 2022/23 season saw Arsenal mount a serious title challenge, their first in 15 years. Despite ultimately finishing second behind Manchester City, the campaign was considered a success, especially given the injury setbacks and the youth of the squad.

PSG’s Changing Vision: From Superstars to Sustainability

It’s not surprising that PSG took notice. In recent years, the Parisians have been shifting away from their ‘Galáctico’-style approach of signing only global icons. Instead, there’s been a move toward building a more sustainable squad—one that blends exciting young talent with experienced leaders.

Arteta, with his ability to nurture players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and William Saliba, fit that vision. His tactical acumen, combined with a calm but commanding presence on the touchline, made him an appealing figure for PSG’s top brass as they contemplated replacing Christophe Galtier.

L’Équipe noted that Mikel Arteta’s familiarity with the culture and history of the club also worked in his favor. He spent the 2001/02 season at PSG on loan from Barcelona, and while his time on the pitch there was brief, it helped him develop a deep understanding of French football.

Informal Contact: How Close Did It Really Get?

Despite the intrigue, the approach never progressed beyond ‘informal contact.’ According to the report, PSG made preliminary inquiries but quickly realized that Mikel Arteta was deeply committed to his Arsenal project.

No formal negotiations took place, and ultimately, PSG turned their attention elsewhere. But the mere fact that Mikel Arteta was in the conversation speaks volumes about how highly his work in North London is regarded across Europe.

Luis Enrique Gets the Nod – And the Job Done

In the end, it was former Barcelona and Spain manager Luis Enrique who took the reins in Paris. A proven winner, Enrique brought with him a pedigree of European success—having led Barça to a treble in 2015—and was seen as the right figure to reshape PSG’s approach.

Under Enrique’s guidance, PSG now find themselves on the brink of only their second Champions League final. The Spanish manager has instilled discipline and structure, blending PSG’s attacking flair with defensive grit. Should they lift the trophy, it would mark a watershed moment in the club’s history and a validation of their new direction.

Arteta and Arsenal: Unfinished Business

Mikel Arteta played for PSG early in his career / FRANCOIS GUILLOT/GettyImages

For Mikel Arteta, it’s hard to imagine a better fit than Arsenal right now. He has the trust of the club’s hierarchy, the admiration of the fanbase, and a squad that is both hungry and humble. With a renewed push for Premier League silverware and the Gunners back among Europe’s elite, Mikel Arteta is proving he’s not just a good coach—he’s a great one in the making.

More than that, Mikel Arteta appears to be building something long-lasting at the Emirates. Unlike the short-term expectations that often come with managing a club like PSG, Arsenal have given Mikel Arteta the time and autonomy to shape the team in his image. The results are beginning to speak for themselves.

The Road Not Taken

So what if PSG had pushed harder? What if Mikel Arteta had been tempted to return to Paris as a manager rather than stay loyal to the club that took a chance on him? Football history is littered with such “what ifs,” and while this particular fork in the road didn’t result in a change of path, it does provide a glimpse into just how far Mikel Arteta’s stock has risen.

There’s every chance that PSG might revisit their interest in the future, especially if Arsenal’s trajectory ever falters or if circumstances change in the French capital. But for now, Mikel Arteta remains firmly at the helm in North London, eyes set on the Champions League final and possibly, just possibly, a first Premier League title since 2004.

A Manager in Demand

This quiet revelation about PSG’s interest is also a reminder that Mikel Arteta’s name will continue to be linked with major roles across Europe. He is young, forward-thinking, and, most importantly, has proven that he can take a struggling team and return it to relevance.

With a growing number of clubs seeking not just tactical brilliance but also leadership, long-term planning, and character, Mikel Arteta ticks many boxes. For Arsenal fans, that should be both a point of pride—and perhaps, a little concern.

But for now, the red side of North London can breathe easy. Their manager is focused, driven, and determined to finish what he started.

And who knows? Maybe one day, if the stars align, we’ll see Mikel Arteta walking the touchline at the Parc des Princes—not as a target of interest, but as a manager leading a team into battle once again. Just not yet.