Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke has suggested that Mikel Arteta must learn from the challenges of this season next year amid claims from Jamie Carragher that the pressure has ramped up on the Gunners' manager.

Before this season began, it was expected that would suffer a drop-off and after coming close twice to them in the previous couple of campaigns, were seen as being in the best position to capitalise. While side did struggle, it was Liverpool who took advantage to secure their 20th league title.

Meanwhile, have dropped further off the pace and while they can secure second with victory over Newcastle United today, claimed last weekend that the pressure is mounting on Arteta. "There's no doubt next season the pressure will be on Arteta massively in terms of winning something and winning something big," the Liverpool icon told Sky Sports.

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"If they don't do that, the Arsenal board will have a massive issue, because they won't want to change the manager, but there will be lots of people saying 'five or six years without a trophy' and they will be looking at how many managers can make that next step. The problem with changing is that Arsenal could easily become what Chelsea are now, a team finishing second year in year out, to a team not getting into the Champions League.

"That's the big conundrum Arsenal will have in 12 months if Arsenal go close again but don't get over the line. It feels like next season has to be the season."

Them writing in his column for The Telegraph, Carragher added: "To say his next transfer window might be the last chance sounds extreme. Arteta has so much credit in the bank, it is fair and right there is more resistance to managerial change at Arsenal than desire for it.

"But no one understands better than him that all the goodwill for creating an Arsenal team capable of winning is gone.

"Arteta must deliver next season, otherwise his legacy will be years of groundwork for the benefit of a successor who will be asked to add the finishing touches."

This sentiment from Carragher appears to have been mirrored by ahead of Arsenal's last home match of the season. In his traditional open letter to supporters, the 45-year-old touched on the head coach and how this season has panned out.

"Mikel and his coaching staff, as well as the players, faced some challenges throughout the season and I want to give credit to the way they managed in these circumstances," Kroenke wrote. "It’s in these moments you learn the most."

While not a direct message to to win something tangible next season or face the sack, it is clear that Kroenke is keen to see improvements from the team in the 2025/26 campaign. However, the task for Arsenal could be a lot tougher than this year.

City will undoubtedly be stronger, as will Liverpool. You would also expect Manchester United to progress from their lowly position along with Tottenham Hotspur, while Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa plus a potential surprise package could cause issues for Arsenal.