WENGER THE SEQUEL
Mikel’s open to Arsene returning to Gunners
MIKEL ARTETA wants to bring Arsene Wenger back to Arsenal and said he would be “delighted to have him much closer”.
The Gunners boss even revealed that he has spoken to Wenger about making a return in some capacity in the future.
Former Arsenal manager Wenger has not even been back for a game at the Emirates as he was left heartbroken by his departure in 2018 after 22 years at the club.
As well as giving him an honorary role at the club, Arsenal have made overtures about building a new statute and are hoping the affection shown towards their greatest-ever manager around his newly released film about the ‘Invincibles’ may also help build bridges.
Arteta, who won the FA Cup in 2014 under Wenger during his playing days
(inset), insists he would welcome his input in any form.
Arteta said: “I think it would be a great help and it would be a great help for the club. Things take time, and I think he has to dictate those timings.
“What I can say is that we would be delighted to have him much closer. There has been communication, and I saw him and talked to him when we went to see the film.
“It was incredibly pleasant to see him and chat to him, and hopefully we can bring him close.
“He will have a great time seeing the environment that he can create around him and around this place. “Because of the respect and admiration that everybody at the club has for what he’s done – and as well for what he represents as a person in this club – I cannot tell you what role but I would like him to be much closer personally to me.” Meanwhile, Arteta has insisted that he would not have a problem with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe making an early return to the dugout at the Emirates tomorrow after recovering from Covid. Howe tested positive last Friday and would normally have to self-isolate for 10 days. However, he may be released early and take charge of the team in person, rather than from a hotel room as he did last Saturday. Arteta said: “I am sure if Eddie is on the touchline, it is because he is entitled to be there.”