Mikel Arteta is closing in on becoming Arsenal’s new manager and his current boss Pep Guardiola has backed him to make the step up on his own.
Arteta came close to being appointed Arsenal boss last summer following Arsene Wenger’s departure, but he was overlooked by club chiefs who instead moved for Unai Emery.
But with the Spanish former Sevilla and PSG boss sacked, Arteta is now expected to sign a three-year deal at the Emirates, where he spent five seasons as a player.
Managing director Vinai Venkatesham and club lawyer Huss Fahmy reportedly spent two-and-a-half hours in discussions with the Man City assistant earlier this week, and it now appears only a matter of time before he takes charge in north London.
“We were smart to pick him up,” said Guardiola. “He’s an incredible person, a good manager with a work ethic. That’s why he has been with us
“He’s talking with Arsenal so I don’t know what is going to happen. I knew about it [the meeting]. He was incredibly honest and transparent with me. He is travelling [to Oxford], yes.
“It happens [that backroom staff members leave]; [head physio] Lee Nobes went to Liverpool and now teams want Mikel.
“He knows exactly what we want but at the end it’s his decision. It’s personal. Nobody is here if they don’t want to be here. If he wants to be here it is because we decided we want to work together three years ago.
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“What happens now, I don’t know.
“The organisation of the club is always live, it doesn’t always stay the same, what works today might not work tomorrow. The people today maybe won’t be here tomorrow.”
During his time as Guardiola’s no2, Arteta has helped City win two Premier League titles, two League Cups, and the FA Cup.
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The pair clearly have a good relationship, but Guardiola still intends on claiming all three points when his side host Arteta’s Arsenal at the Etihad in February.
“It is a good argument — why not?” Guardiola added.
“It is uncomfortable for me. It is a question for Mikel, I am not in his brain. We talk about it a little bit but his feelings are his feelings.
“If he decides to move I’ll wish him all the best, for him, his family and for his professional future. I will beat him – that’s a joke!