MIKEL ARTETA has been backed to take the Arsenal job by his former boss Arsene Wenger,Arsenal are on the hunt for a new boss after Arsen...
MIKEL ARTETA has been backed to take the Arsenal job by his former boss Arsene Wenger,Arsenal are on the hunt for a new boss after Arsene Wenger left his post at the end of the season following 22 years in charge.
Former player and captain Arteta remains one of the favourites to replace the Frenchman and Wenger believes he has the credentials to do the job.
"He has all the qualities to do the job, yes and I think as well he is one of the favourites,” he told beinSPORTS.
“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?"
Much has been made of Arteta's lack of managerial experience, however Wenger believes Arsenal's experienced coaching personnel can help guide the Spanish manager.
Arteta has been learning his trade under Pep Guardiola as one of his assistants at Manchester City.
"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," Wenger added.
He has been an assistant of Guardiola as well, so overall I think he has the qualities."
Despite Wenger heaping praise on Arteta's suitability he says he doesn't want to influce the board's decision.
"I don’t want to influence that publicly because for me I believe it is important that they make their choice in an objective way and after once they make a decision I will support them," he said.
Arteta is set to meet Gunners chiefs to discuss the possibility of taking charge with the club wanting a man in place before the World Cup.
Express Sport understands that majority shareholder Stan Kroenke and the rest of the board will meet on Monday to discuss giving the job to the Spaniard.
City boss Guardiola has already stated he won't get in Arteta's way if he opts to move to the Emirates.
What we have done this season, Mikel his contribution was outstanding, amazing, we work together so good," he said.
"If he stays I will be the happiest guy in the world and if he decides to move because he has this offer, this option, I will not say you do not have to go. I want the best for my friends and he's a friend of mine.
"If he decides to go, I will be so sad but I will understand his decision because it's his career, his life, his family, and I am not the right guy to say you don't have to do that.
"But hopefully he can stay and finish what we started together in the upcoming years."
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