Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has stated he has heard rumours that Mikel Arteta will join Real Madrid this summer. Since taking over for Unai Emery in December 2019, the Spaniard has completely altered Arsenal’s fortunes, and he is looking to win the club’s first Premier League title since 2004 this season after a barnstorming campaign.

Mikel Arteta has worked wonders for Arsenal this season, helping the club to the top of the Premier League table. He’ll be seeking to add to his trophy cabinet after winning the FA Cup in the 2019/20 season. Arteta has been at the Emirates since 2019, but his future may be in jeopardy, according to Ferdinand, who shared a major rumour on his podcast.

Arsenal could be ‘coach-less’ if Real Madrid come knocking for Mikel Arteta – Ferdinand

While Arsenal now have their job cut out for them in order to put City at bay, Ferdinand has sent down tremors at the Emirates by suggesting Mikel Arteta will leave this summer regardless of the outcome of the title race. The former Manchester United defender claims to have ‘heard something’ regarding Real Madrid wanting Arteta to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who has been heavily linked with the Brazil national team job.

During a discussion on his Vibe With FIVE podcast, the former England center-back said while speaking to Arsenal fan Joel Beya:

“You’ve got to keep Arteta, first and foremost.”

Beya replied:

“What is this about? You’ve been doing this all afternoon.”

To which Ferdinand replied:

“I heard something. I heard that Real Madrid (are interested) and when they come knocking your players will be coachless. I heard Ancelotti, Don Carlo, the eyebrow, he might be getting off, and that Arteta is looking to go to Real Madrid. That’s the rumour on the streets. The streets are talking.”

Ancelotti’s contract is set to end in the summer of 2024, but there are speculations that he may be fired if he fails to win his second Champions League in a row. Real Madrid have had a disappointing season in La Liga, as they sit 11 points behind Barcelona.

Los Blancos still have a Copa del Rey final against Osasuna to look forward to, which means they might finish the season with two titles. If such is the case, despite rumoured interest in Arteta, Ancelotti appears unlikely to lose his position. Following his achievements this season, Arteta has piqued the eye of Europe’s elite.

The Gunners have won an astonishing 23 league games under the Spaniard, earning 74 points as they compete for he Premier League title with Manchester City. If Mikel Arteta leads Arsenal to their first league title since 2004, it may be his final act as their manager.

Arteta was consistently linked with the Barcelona position as well in November, as pressure mounted on Xavi’s shoulders following the club’s poor showing in the Champions League. However, Arteta was anxious to reassure Gunners supporters that he is “extremely happy and proud” at the club and remains dedicated to the project moving ahead, dismissing the possibility of a departure.