Arsene Wenger has backed Mikel Arteta to succeed him as Arsenal’s next boss.
After 22 years in charge, the Frenchman left his post in north London at the end of the season.
Several names have been linked with the job but former Gunners midfielder Arteta is one of the favourites.
Currently, joint-assistant coach at Manchester City, the 36-year-old has already received the support of Pep Guardiola, should he want to leave.
Since announcing his decision to leave Arsenal at the end of the season, Wenger has always insisted that he wishes to remain out of the selection process for his successor.
But it appears the Frenchman is a secret admirer of his ex-skipper.
“He was a leader, and he has a good passion for the game and he knows the club well, he knows what is important at the club and he was captain of the club. Why not?”
“I left a lot of experience behind me, people who were with me like Steve Bould, who has six years experience, and Jens Lehmann too.
“He has been an assistant of Guardiola as well, so overall I think he has the qualities.”
