Arsenal’s time under Arsene Wenger has come to an end, with the long-serving Frenchman bowing out after a 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town on the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday.
The Gunners are now set to enter a new era this summer and there’s been plenty of speculation orientating around who could be Wenger’s successor, though an increasing number of reports believe that honour will be handed to former Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta.
Since retiring in 2016, Arteta has spent two seasons working as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City and has been praised as playing a huge part in the record-breaking success of the Citizens this season, who stormed to the Premier League crown.
After their victory on the final day against Southampton, Guardiola was asked about the possibility of Arteta leaving and he insisted he simply wants the best for his dedicated assistant.
“I want the best for my friends, and he is a friend of mine. What we have done this season, Mikel, his contribution was outstanding, amazing. So if he stays I will be happiest guy in the world. If he decides to move because he has this offer, this option, I will not say you don’t have to go [you can’t go].”
“If he decides to go, I will be so sad, but I will understand his decision, because it’s his career, his life, his family. And I am not right guy to say you don’t have to do that.”