Arsenal 'have no plans to sack Mikel Arteta before next season'

Arsenal reportedly have no immediate plans to sack head coach Mikel Arteta before the start of next season.

Pressure is now beginning to mount on the Spaniard following his side's Europa League semi-final exit to Villarreal on Thursday night.

The Gunners played out a goalless draw at the Emirates, which was enough to see the La Liga outfit – managed by former boss Unai Emery – progress 2-1 on aggregate.

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal's hierarchy do not believe that a change of manager is necessary at this moment in time, particularly during an unusual 2020-21 coronavirus-hit campaign.

However, the Gunners board are disappointed that the club have not performed at the levels expected this term and are hoping for significant improvements next season.

If Arteta is to remain in charge beyond this campaign, a poor start to the 2021-22 season would put the 39-year-old's position at the club under threat.

Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke, who insists that the club is not for sale, will make sure that there are funds available for next season, but their recruitment plans heavily rely upon whether the Gunners can secure European qualification.