Mikel Arteta is said to have been ‘sounded out‘ to join Pep Guardiola’s coaching set-up at Manchester City for the upcoming season.
The Spanish boss agreed to take over from Manuel Pellegrini at the end of the season, and is expected to make wholesale changes at the Etihad on his arrival.
As well as raiding a number of clubs for their top stars, Pep is now said to be looking to steal Arsenal’s captain, with the midfielder considering hanging up his boots at the end of the term.
The 34 year-old has managed only eight substitute appearances this term, and after a number of foot and ankle injuries in recent years, looks likely to to end his playing career at the end of his Arsenal deal.
Arteta had been tipped to continue with the club in a possible coaching capacity, but he could be set to follow in the steps of fellow former Gunners captain Patrick Vieira, and begin his backroom role with City instead.
The former Everton star is friends with Guardiola having emerged through the ranks at Barcelona’s prestigious youth academy together, but is also said to have ties with near rivals Tottenham’s manager Mauricio Pochettino. Joining Spurs would surely be unforgivable for our fans however, not that him snubbing a coaching role at the Emirates in favour of any other Premier League club would go down well.
Whatever does happen for Arteta after this season, he will almost certain be given one last outing in an Arsenal shirt, and get the respectable send-off he deserves for his five-year service to the club.
How many of you would be disgusted if he joined Pochettino’s backroom at White Hart Lane, and how many would not be fazed as long as he is not joining their playing squad?