The former Gunners captain has been in charge in north London since returning to succeed compatriot Unai Emery in the dugout in December 2019, taking up his first managerial job having previously worked as an assistant coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Arsenal have been transformed on and off the pitch during Arteta’s reign that has lasted for more than five years, becoming consistent Premier League title contenders and returning to the Champions League having also won the FA Cup and two Community Shields.
However, they have been unable to get over the line when it comes to attempting to end their 21-year wait for another title since ‘The Invincibles’, currently trailing runaway leaders Liverpool by 12 points at the top-flight summit with only nine games remaining this season and finishing two points adrift of reigning champions City last term.
Arsenal remain in this season’s Champions League with a huge quarter-final tie against holders Real Madrid to come after thrashing PSV Eindhoven 9-3 on aggregate in the last 16, though have no other opportunity for silverware remaining after being dumped out of the FA Cup third round by Manchester United and later been defeated over two legs by eventual winners Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
And while Petit - a double-winner at the club under Arsene Wenger in 1997/98 - has the utmost admiration for what Arteta has achieved with Arsenal, he believes we are now reaching “the end of his story” at the Emirates Stadium after their frustrating recent title collapse.
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