Arsene Wenger Hints Mikel Arteta Could Assist Pep Guardiola at Manchester City

Arsene Wenger has hinted at the possibility of Mikel Arteta joining Manchester City to assist new manager Pep Guardiola from next season.

It’s easy to think that the Spanish midfielder is already retired considering his lack of involvement at the Emirates this season.

He’s made just three appearances under Wenger in 2016 – the last of those coming at the end of January in a 2-1 FA Cup win over Burnley.

But Arteta is out of contract in the summer and it was unclear whether or not he would go on to continue playing at the age of 34.

A report from dailymail.co.uk‘s Dominic King this morning suggested that Guardiola wants his compatriot at the Etihad to join his coaching staff – a move which should suit both parties considering Arteta’s knowledge of both Guardiola and English football.

Wenger was asked about that story in his press conference ahead of Arsenal’s clash with City on Sunday.

And he refused to rule it out, instead referring interested reporters to the Arteta himself:

Wenger, via mirror.co.uk, admitted: “It’s possible. He is able to inform you much better than I.”

It would be a big move for Arteta considering his lack of coaching experience and options to continue playing.

He’s coming to the end of his fifth season at Arsenal, a spell which follows an eight-year stay at Everton.

Arteta has also played with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Sociedad and Rangers, but the Guardiola link will no doubt come from his short time spent with Barcelona at the start of his career.