The Spaniard has been tipped to replace Wenger next season
Arsene Wenger will leave Arsenal at the end of the season after managing the club for 22 years. During his reign, he has won 10 major trophies with the club which includes seven FA Cups and three Premier League.
The Gunners now face the mammoth task of replacing the Frenchman and are already looking at potential candidates. A list of potential candidates includes proven winners, such as Luis Enrique, Unai Emery, Carlo Ancelloti and Massimiliano Allegri, and a number of former favorites like Mikel Arteta, Patrick Viera and Thiery Henry.
Arteta has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to take over from his former boss, despite having never managed before. The Premier League giants signed the Spaniard from Everton in 2011, who hanged his playing boots two years ago. He is now serving as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.
Wenger has backed Arteta to manage Arsenal and believes his lack of experience should not be counted against him.
‘He has all the qualities to do the job and I have seen as well he is one of the favourites,’ The 68 year old told beIN Sports.
‘He was a leader, has a good passion for the game and he knows the club well, knows what is important at the club. He was captain of the club so why not?’
He believes the former Everton star should build his backroom team around Steve Bould and Jens Lehmann who are reported to have been offered roles in the new set-up.
‘I left a lot of experience behind me,’ Wenger added. ‘People who were with me like Steve Bould for six years, Jens Lehmann as well. Unfortunately some other staff have left.
‘As well he [Arteta] has been the assistant of Guardiola.
‘I don’t want to influence that [decision] publicly. It is important they make that choice in an objective way and after that I will support him.’
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