This archive report was first published on 19 December 2019.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has given his blessing for Mikel Arteta to leave the club and take over as Arsenal manager, with the deal expected to be finalized within the next 48 hours.
Arteta, 37, has agreed to a three-and-a-half-year contract with Arsenal, with the club and Manchester City having reached an agreement over his departure.
Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has also given his blessing for Arteta's appointment, saying he believes the Spaniard has a great future in the sport and has learned a lot in his first position as an assistant coach.
Wenger, who is currently in Doha in his new role with FIFA, said: 'I believe that Arteta has certainly a great future, he has certainly learned a lot in his first position as an assistant coach.'
He also praised Arteta's ability to surround himself with a good environment at the club, saying: 'The most important thing is that every club, Arsenal especially, is built on special values. Inside the club, people have to take care of that.'
Wenger also expressed his sadness at seeing Arsenal currently stuck in mid-table, but refused to be critical of Unai Emery, who was sacked after 18 months in charge.
Arteta still travelled with the City squad to their Carabao Cup tie on Wednesday night, but it is understood that he will be named as Arsenal manager within the next 48 hours.
