Mikel Arteta nearly became Newcastle United manager in 2019

New details reveal that Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley nearly appointed Mikel Arteta as manager in the summer of 2019, following the departure of Rafael Benítez. At the time, Arteta was serving as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and was considered a highly promising young coach.

Despite an exceptionally long contract offer, Arteta ultimately declined the position. Key obstacles included the unpopularity of the club's ownership, a depleted squad following the departures of key players Ayoze Pérez and Salomón Rondón, and Arteta's inability to assemble his preferred coaching staff.