ARSENE ANOINTS ARTETA
ARSENE WENGER believes Mikel Arteta has “all the qualities” to be his successor as Arsenal manager.
Wenger delivered a ringing endorsement for Arteta who is the Gunners’ No.1 choice to be their next boss and expected to take over within the next fortnight.
The former Arsenal captain is part of Pep
Guardiola’s coaching staff at Manchester City and the north London side have already sounded him out with further talks expected in the next 24 hours.
Wenger, in an interview with bein Sports, said: “He has all the qualities to do the job and I think he is one of the favourites.
“He was a leader, and he has a good passion for the game and knows the club well. He knows what is important at the club and he was captain. Why not?”
The 36-year-old is seen as a shock target simply because he lacks the experience of other contenders like Juventus chief Max Allegri and even another ex-arsenal captain, Patrick Vieira, who is in charge of New York City FC.
Arteta is keen to take up the role and City manager Guardiola has insisted he will not stand in his way.
Wenger claims there is enough experience within Arsenal’s coaching set-up to support Arteta.
He said: ”I left a lot of experience behind me, people like Steve Bould who has six years’ experience, and Jens Lehmann, too.
“Mikel has also been Guardiola’s assistant, so I think he has the qualities.”