This archive report was first published on 18 December 2019.
On December 18, 2019, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed that his assistant Mikel Arteta was in talks to take the vacant Arsenal job, with a decision expected soon.
Guardiola stated that Arteta would be at Oxford United on Wednesday for City's League Cup quarter-final, but appeared resigned to the prospect of losing his right-hand man.
“I think it (the decision) is going to happen quick,” Guardiola said, as quoted by the BBC. “Why not [go]? It’s a good argument.”
Former Arsenal captain Arteta, 37, is the leading candidate to succeed Unai Emery as Arsenal manager, following a meeting between the club's chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and Arteta at his home.
Guardiola praised Arteta's work ethic and management skills, saying, “We were so smart to pick him up and the other clubs missed it. He’s an incredible person, good manager. Work ethic. That’s why he is what he is.”
Arteta made 149 appearances for Arsenal before joining City's coaching staff in 2016, where he has enjoyed a successful spell as assistant to Guardiola, helping the club to consecutive Premier League titles over the last two seasons.
Guardiola said he had spoken to Arteta about the Arsenal opportunity and would not stand in his way, stating, “I am a guy who lets people live with freedom and do what they want because that is what they want in the moment, for their lives, family, professionally and individually.”
