Mikel Arteta to replace Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger

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Bengaluru, December 20: Arsenal hierarchy reportedly consider former Gunners captain Mikel Arteta as a likely option to replace Arsene Wenger when the veteran decides to retire.

The French man has been under the line of fire for the last couple of years and after he failed to secure Champions League football last year, many fans went against him.

However, amid all the negativity, Wenger signed a new two-year contract in the Summer but is now poised to end his term as a manager with the North London side after his current contract ends.

And reportedly, the club have now drawn a list of potential successors for the Frenchman and in this list, current Machester City assistant coach Mikel Arteta, tops the list.

Arteta retired from football two years ago in a bid to start a managerial career and chose to join Manchester City over others.

The former Everton player also had had offers from both Wenger and north London rival Mauricio Pochettino to be his assistant, however, the Spaniard chose to opt for Guardiola. Arteta finished his UEFA Pro License in September and is presently anticipating sanction of his final coaching badge.

And since his arrival at Etihad, his stock has grown incredibly and now he is seen as a vital part of Guardiola's team where he has been allegedly doing an incredible job in personal training of the players.

City also consider Arteta a worthy successor to Guardiola when he inevitably leaves, but, the club are presently planning to extend the UCL winner's contract to five years which could leave Arteta opting for a role at the Emirates.

Arteta is yet to manage any top tier or any professional club on his own and if he arrives at his former club it will surely be a huge challenge for him to fill in the shoe of one of the greatest managers of all time.