Arsenal is poised to face a significant setback at the end of the season as they stand to lose a pivotal member of their first team, creating uncertainty in Mikel Arteta’s plans.
Despite the Gunners’ current contention for the Premier League title and their presence in the Champions League, Arteta may encounter a challenging task in retaining a key component of the club.
The linchpin of Arsenal’s recent success has not only been the players but also Arteta’s coaching staff, which has played a vital role during his four-year tenure.
However, this stability may be disrupted in the upcoming summer.
Reports from The Guardian suggest that Mikel Arteta’s assistant, Carlos Cuesta, is contemplating a departure from Arsenal to pursue a managerial role on his own.
Championship clubs, particularly Norwich City, have displayed significant interest in the 28-year-old Spaniard.
Carlos Cuesta joined Arsenal in 2020, and since then, he has contributed to the positive transformation of the club alongside Arteta.
Under Arteta’s guidance, Arsenal has transitioned from being Premier League outsiders to genuine title contenders over the past four seasons.
Cuesta’s impact extends to player development, notably with talents like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Emile Smith-Rowe flourishing under his guidance.
Despite his successful stint at Arsenal, the lure of taking on his first managerial position might be too enticing for Cuesta to resist.
According to sources, Norwich appears to be the most probable destination for Cuesta, as the Championship club is keen on securing his services.
Norwich’s sports director, Ben Knapper, who was Arsenal’s loans manager as recently as November 2023, is reportedly interested in bringing Cuesta on board to replace David Wagner.
The potential departure of Carlos Cuesta presents a significant challenge for Mikel Arteta, who will not only lose a trusted assistant but also a coach instrumental in the development of Arsenal’s emerging talents.
The departure of such a key figure could impact the dynamics within the coaching staff and, consequently, the team’s performance on the pitch.
As Arsenal strives for success in both domestic and European competitions, the uncertainty surrounding Cuesta’s future adds an element of complexity to Arteta’s managerial plans.
The Gunners will need to navigate this potential upheaval in their coaching staff as they aim to maintain their upward trajectory in English and European football.
