Rio Ferdinand, a former defender for Manchester United, provided a concerning update on Mikel Arteta’s position as Arsenal manager.

The club has faced an unexpected slump in play, squandering significant points against Liverpool and West Ham in back-to-back 2-2 draws, despite having helped the Gunners become serious contenders for the Premier League crown this season.

Despite having played one more game than Pep Guardiola’s team, Arsenal still leads second-place Manchester City by four points. However, Ferdinand warns that Arteta may face some challenges in the future.

While supporters will be eagerly anticipating a potential title win after almost 20 years, Ferdinand’s comments indicate that there may be cause for concern regarding the future of the club’s management.

What Arteta has achieved at the Emirates in the little time he has been there was never going to go unnoticed, and Ferdinand believes Real Madrid are eager to poach him.

“You have got to keep Arteta, first and foremost,” Ferdinand told his podcast FIVE.

“I heard something. I heard that Real Madrid and when they come knocking.

I heard Ancelotti, Don Carlo, the eyebrow has said that he might be getting off and that Arteta is looking to go to Real Madrid. But that’s the rumour on the streets. The streets are talking. I hope he stays.”

Spanish news outlet Marca has raised the possibility of Carlo Ancelotti being offered the Brazil national team managerial role, opening the way for a new appointment at Real Madrid.

However, Mikel Arteta’s past links with Barcelona may rule him out of consideration for the position, given his childhood association with the club’s famous La Masia academy.

Moreover, the Arsenal manager is expected to remain focused on his current role, particularly given the club’s imminent return to the Champions League. Arteta is likely to want to build on his early success at the club and continue to push the Gunners toward further glory.

Arsenal will host Southampton at the Emirates on April 21st in a bid to cement their reign as Premier League title contender this season.