Mikel Arteta: Arsenal manager target’s tactics, style of play and approach

Mikel Arteta is about as inexperienced as a potential manager can be, given that he’s never taken charge of a senior team on his own.

However, the 37-year-old has quietly emerged as a leading contender to take the reins at Arsenal.

Although the Spaniard is yet to take the plunge and lead a team alone, his spell alongside Pep Guardiola as part of Manchester City’s coaching staff has seen his stock soar.

Of course, Arteta enjoyed an excellent career at the highest level after progressing through Barcelona‘s youth system and has been busy learning his coaching craft since hanging up his boots.

But Arteta still represents a bit of a gamble for the Gunners given that they are looking to kick-start a new regime, despite all the plaudits he has begun to receive since swapping midfield battles for coaching badges.

The north Londoners need a boot up the backside to jolt them out of the period of decline overseen by Unai Emery but Arteta’s potential appointment is proving to be somewhat divisive.

Some fans believe that Arteta will quickly find himself ‘in too deep’ while others are confident their former captain will be able to steady the ship after working up close and personal with Guardiola, who seamlessly made the transition from player to manager.

Arteta has also been tipped to be a contender for the Man City job when Guardiola heads for pastures new – or retirement – which begs a very big question.

Should Arteta push for a move to the Emirates Stadium? Or would he be better placed to sit tight and see how things develop at Man City? After all, neither job will come around too often…

Watch the video at the top of the article to see Squawka’s analysis on Mikel Arteta. Subscribe to Squawka’s Youtube channel here.