Mikel Arteta is all but the new Arsenal manager, as betting on the post has been suspended, as he attends the last stage of the three-stage interview process with Josh Kroenke.
The former Arsenal captain, Arteta has a reputation with an obsessive approach to coaching and his work on the training ground and credited with the development of key individuals at City.
He will certainly be able to communicate better than Unai Emery, and has obvious tactical nous, but charisma?
Several ex-players including Alan Smith speaks very highly of Arteta and backs him as new Arsenal coach. John Cross, journalist with stronger Arsenal connections than most says: “Arteta is bright, sharp and engaging. When he retired as a player in 2016, Pep Guardiola was desperate to take him to Manchester City to be part of his staff and Mauricio Pochettino also wanted him at Tottenham.”
“Arteta speaks well so will make the club relevant again after Emery’s disastrous press conferences but he will also connect with the club’s fans, have a set way of playing and an identity he wants to play Guardiola’s pressing style and will be passionate on the touchline.”
Mauricio Pochettino said earlier this year that Mikel Arteta has “the capacity to be one of the greatest coaches in football”.
But Paul Merson said: “It’s all well and good saying he’s worked under Pep Guardiola, but let’s be honest, Guardiola would struggle managing this Arsenal team. Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp would struggle.
“The idea of Arteta replicating Guardiola’s style of football at the Emirates just falls apart when you look at the players he’ll be working with.”