According to a report by FootballTransfers on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is set to move into the top five longest-serving managers in European football's major professional leagues following Frank Schmidt's decision to leave Heidenheim at the end of the season.

Schmidt has announced that he will step down after nearly 20 years in charge of the German club, opening the door for Arteta to climb higher in the managerial longevity rankings.

The 52-year-old took over at Heidenheim in September 2007 when the club were competing in Germany's fifth division.

He subsequently guided the team through several promotions, reaching the 2. Bundesliga in 2014 before securing a historic promotion to the Bundesliga in 2023.

Under his leadership, Heidenheim also qualified for European competition for the first time, where they faced Chelsea in the Conference League.

However, the club were relegated from the Bundesliga in 2026 after spending three seasons in the top flight. Schmidt has now decided that it is time to take a break after almost two decades in the role.

"After almost 20 years as FCH coach, I simply want to take a break this summer," he explained.

Schmidt also made it clear that he would remain fully committed to Heidenheim until the final match of the campaign.

His departure will leave Qarabag manager Qurban Qurbanov as Europe's longest-serving manager among clubs competing in the fully professional first and second divisions.

Qurbanov has been in charge since August 2008, while Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone ranks third after taking over in December 2011.

Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley occupies fourth position, having been appointed in July 2016.

Arteta completes the top five after replacing Unai Emery at Arsenal on December 22, 2019. The Spaniard has spent almost seven years at the north London club and recently signed a new contract that will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until 2030.

His time in charge has brought significant progress, with Arsenal eventually ending their 22-year wait for the Premier League title by winning the 2025/26 campaign.

Arteta has also guided the Gunners to the Champions League final, although they lost to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in Budapest.

With Schmidt preparing to leave Heidenheim, Arteta is set to improve his position among Europe's longest-serving managers.

His continued presence at the Emirates Stadium also highlights Arsenal's commitment to the long-term project under his leadership.