Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move to sign former captain Mikel Arteta as our new manager this summer, and Pep Guardiola has just added to the speculation by confirming that he will allow his exit.
Guardiola has just won the Premier League at his second attempt, although our former midfielder had only joined him last summer as his number two, and just how much input Arteta has had on his arrival is unknown.
Of course it would be great to consider bringing Arteta to the club for a number of reasons, but his appointment would definitely be a huge risk due to his inexperience, but that doesn’t appear to have dampened any links to his arrival.
Guardiola certainly isn’t ruling out an approach for him either, and has opened the door for his assistant to leave if given the opportunity.
‘Mikel’s contribution was outstanding, amazing, and we have been so good together,’ said Guardiola.
‘So, if he stays I will be happiest guy in the world. If he decides to move because he has this option I will not say: “You don’t have to go”.
‘I want the best for my friends and he is a friend. If he decides to go I will be sad but I will understand his decision.
‘Because it is his career, his life and family and I am not the right guy to say you don’t have to do that.
‘But hopefully he can stay and finish what we have together in the coming years.’
Would taking Arteta from City be as important to our hopes of winning the league as signing him to our staff is? Could his ability be understated from the outside?
Pat J