Key Points
- Former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu has stated that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is “on the list of big coaches” monitored by the French club.
- Mulumbu ruled out Pep Guardiola as a successor at the Parc des Princes, suggesting the coach will rest and potentially take over a national team.
- Current PSG manager Luis Enrique has extended his contract through to the summer of 2030, meaning no immediate coaching vacancy is expected in Paris.
- Arteta has historical ties to PSG, having spent time on loan at the club as a player during the 2001–02 season, and previously expressed affection for the club in 2021.
- Since taking charge of Arsenal in December 2019, Arteta has reached 370 matches, winning the FA Cup, Community Shield, and Premier League title, while finishing as Champions League runners-up to PSG in 2026.
Arsenal (North London News) November 13, 2026 – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be “on the list of big coaches” monitored by back-to-back Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain for a future managerial role, according to former PSG midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu. While no vacancy is expected in the Parc des Princes dugout any time soon due to current head coach Luis Enrique extending his contract through to the summer of 2030, Mulumbu identified Arteta as a prime candidate for when the post eventually opens, whilst simultaneously ruling out Pep Guardiola from taking the job in the French capital.
As reported by GOAL, Youssouf Mulumbu—speaking in association with Parimatch Online Casino—addressed whether Arteta could become the next manager in Paris following his achievements in north London. Mulumbu stated:
“Yeah, definitely. He showed with Arsenal that he’s a really good coach. He built this team from scratch. Because when Arsene Wenger left, it was a big construction to do in the team. He showed that with years, he progressed with this team. They won the league last year and they were in the final of the Champions League. So he’s definitely on the list of the big coaches.”
What Has Mikel Arteta Previously Said About Paris Saint-Germain?
Arteta possesses existing personal and professional ties to the Ligue 1 champions, having represented Paris Saint-Germain during a loan spell as a player in the 2001–02 campaign. As noted in the GOAL report, the 44-year-old has previously left the door open to a return to France. Speaking back in 2021, Arteta stated:
“I love Paris, I love Paris. I have very good memories from over there. It was my first club as a professional. The club is always in my heart. You never know but I have a lot of work to do [at Arsenal].”
Would Pep Guardiola Be Interested in a Role at PSG?
When questioned by GOAL regarding the possibility of Pep Guardiola eventually taking over in France, Mulumbu dismissed the likelihood of the former Barcelona and Manchester City tactician moving to the Parc des Princes. Mulumbu stated:
“I don’t know. I don’t see him coming to PSG after Luis Enrique. I think for Pep right now, he will rest a little bit and maybe he will get a national team, just like Zinedine Zidane.”
What Is Luis Enrique’s Current Contractual Situation at PSG?
Despite speculation regarding future managerial transitions, Paris Saint-Germain have secured long-term continuity under Luis Enrique. As reported by 433foot.fr and cited by All Football, Enrique signed a contract extension with PSG until 2030 ahead of a fixture against Monaco, which included a salary increase from €12 million to €20 million per year.
Furthermore, Le Parisien journalist Dominique Sévérac analysed that Enrique has no reason to leave the French capital, noting that PSG provide resources, tactical freedom, and board trust that rival clubs would struggle to match. As highlighted by GOAL, complete trust remains in Enrique following his exploits over the past three seasons, though a future scenario in which Enrique seeks a fresh challenge in the Premier League—potentially resulting in a managerial swap involving Arteta and Arsenal—has not been ruled out.
Background of the Development
Mikel Arteta took over as manager of Arsenal in December 2019, embarking on a long-term rebuilding project following the departure of Arsene Wenger. Across 370 matches in charge of the Gunners, Arteta has guided the club to triumphs in the FA Cup, Community Shield, and Premier League. In 2026, Arteta led Arsenal to the UEFA Champions League final, where the north London side suffered a penalty shootout defeat against Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain.
Both managers have recently received substantial financial and contractual backing from their respective clubs. According to reports from VIPSG.net and 433foot.fr, both Arteta and Enrique are tied to contracts running until 2030, with Arteta’s salary at Arsenal having been raised to €29.5 million per year, placing him ahead of Enrique’s €20 million annual wage in Paris. Under the ownership of Qatar Sports Investments and the leadership of club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, PSG have transitioned away from relying solely on individual superstars toward a cohesive tactical unit, culminating in consecutive Champions League titles.
Prediction: How Could This Development Affect Arsenal and PSG Supporters?
For Arsenal supporters and the club’s hierarchy, the persistent linking of Arteta to European giants such as Paris Saint-Germain underscores the high regard in which their manager is held following domestic title success and a Champions League final appearance. While Arteta’s contract through to 2030 provides medium-term security at the Emirates Stadium, the fact that he has achieved almost every major domestic honour in England—leaving only the Champions League trophy unclaimed—means supporters may face recurring speculation regarding his long-term appetite for a new challenge in a familiar environment.
For Paris Saint-Germain supporters and the club’s sporting department, the current stability under Luis Enrique through to 2030 removes any immediate uncertainty in the dugout. However, Mulumbu’s assessment outlines a clear succession framework for the Parisian fanbase: when Enrique eventually decides to step aside, PSG are positioned to target elite, project-building managers with established ties to the club rather than pursuing coaches like Guardiola who may be pivoting toward international football.
