Petit, who played for both Arsenal and Barcelona, said the Spanish giants could tempt Arteta back to Catalonia, especially given his history with the club.

Arteta came through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy after joining at age 15. He played more than 40 matches for Barcelona B, sharing the pitch with future icons such as Carles Puyol, Víctor Valdés and Thiago Motta, though he never made a first-team appearance.

According to Petit, that unfinished chapter could lure Arteta back. “Mikel Arteta could be tempted to return to Spain, especially to a club he knew when he was very young,” Petit told Snabbare. “If he wins something big this season, he might say, ‘After seven years at Arsenal, it’s time for a new challenge.’ And if Barcelona knocks on your door, it’s one of the hardest offers to refuse.”

Petit added that Barcelona’s defensive struggles 39 goals conceded last season and 17 already this term may appeal to Arteta as a challenge, especially given the defensive solidity he has built at Arsenal. By contrast, the Gunners conceded only 34 goals last season and just eight in 20 matches so far this campaign across all competitions.

Arteta, speaking before Arsenal’s midweek clash with Brentford, reflected on a packed schedule featuring derby victory over Spurs, a Champions League win against Bayern Munich and a draw at Chelsea. He said each match had given him “huge learning” about his squad, especially dealing with issues like Gabriel Magalhães' injury during the international break.

Barcelona, now under Hansi Flick, remains top of La Liga but is under pressure to reshape their squad and Arteta is increasingly seen in Spain as a potential long-term successor.

For Arsenal fans, the message from Petit is clear: A Premier League title could be both the club’s greatest triumph and the trigger for Arteta’s emotional return to Camp Nou.