Mikel Arteta’s links with Arsenal have been dominating the British press as of late. The Gunners, having sacked Unai Emery three weeks, are yet to name his successor, appointing Freddie Ljungberg as a caretaker but are set to hire Man City number two.
The Spaniard, who was plying his trade at the Emirates Stadium before retiring, has garnered praise and respect in his assistant coach role at the Etihad Stadium. This caught the attention of the north London giants, who came close to appointing him as Arsene Wenger’s immediate successor.
The latest rumors claim the 37-year-old is set to replace Ljungberg and could even be in charge for the weekend trip to Everton. Pep Guardiola, who sat for a press conference ahead of their Carabao Cup clash with Oxford City, was grilled on the Arteta situation.
Speaking about the issue, Pep handed his number two a warning. The former Barca boss was asked if he believes Arteta would do well at the Emirates Stadium and the manager stated that despite all of his talents and tactical insight, the Man City assistant is not guaranteed success.
“I think Arsenal [are] always one of the best teams of the last 20 years,” Guardiola said, as per Goal.
“When Arsene [Wenger] took over the team, he raised the club to another level and now they are struggling a little bit the last years.
“When the club takes a decision to replace the manager or buy players it’s always to rise to be better. Whether it’s going to happen or not, I don’t know.
“You know my opinion about Mikel. He’s a professional human being and a person, I don’t have doubts about that.”
Arteta’s move to Arsenal appears to be a matter of when and not if. The Spaniard should bring discipline and organization to the Gunners after spending three full seasons with one of the best in the world. The issue of his experience, or lack thereof, remains a huge worry, however.
