Mikel Arteta to Arsenal: Man City fear mid-season departure of Pep Guardiola’s assistant could be ‘potentially disastrous’
Manchester City are concerned that Mikel Arteta’s imminent departure to Arsenal could be ‘potentially disastrous’ unless they replace him right away.
Arteta, the former Everton and Arsenal midfielder, has held talks with Gunners chiefs over becoming the club’s new manager, following Unai Emery’s sacking last month.
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Arsenal wanted Arteta to succeed Arsene Wenger last summer before deciding to hire Emery, but they could now be about to get the Spaniard in after managing director Vinai Venkatesham was pictured leaving his Manchester mansion in the early hours of Monday morning, with other club chiefs also in attendance during talks.
According to the Daily Mail, City believed Arteta would be more likely to depart the club next summer and are worried about the impact a mid-season exit could have on their squad.
He is one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants and his work at the Emirates has been lauded by numerous parties.
Unless a new assistant is brought in ASAP, the report claims City feel Arteta’s exit could be ‘potentially disastrous’.
Arsenal have placed club legend Freddie Ljungberg in interim charge, but he has overseen just one win and their most recent match ended in a 3-0 loss at home to City.
After the game the Swede urged the Emirates hierarchy to make a decision over the managerial position as soon as possible.
Paul Merson is not convinced Arteta is the right man for the job, however, believing it could prove too big a task for the unproven Spaniard.
“To ask someone with no managerial experience to take charge in the current circumstances at Arsenal is a big ask,” Merson told Sky Sports.
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“But there are also massive question marks over his credentials, massive questions.
“One of the major factors with Arteta being linked with the job is that he’s worked closely under Guardiola, and he used to play at Arsenal. Other than the fact he won’t get lost on the way to training, I don’t know what else he brings to the table.
“We’ve seen how out of his depth Freddie Ljungberg [interim manager] has been in recent weeks. What’s the difference between Ljungberg and Arteta other than the fact Arteta has worked under Pep at Manchester City?
“It doesn’t mean Arteta has earned his stripes or he’s better qualified, and Arsenal won’t suddenly start playing like City if Arteta is appointed because it’s not as simple as that.”