Guardiola Confirms Arteta Talks With Arsenal

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that his assistant, Mikel Arteta has been in contact with North London club, Arsenal. However, the former Barcelona gaffer maintains that he still relies on his fellow countryman for the time being.

Arteta is reportedly in talks with his former club for a possible replacement of the departed Unai Emery.

The former Arsenal player emerged as the first choice replacement for Emery after after holding a meeting with the club’s managing director Vinai Venkatesham in the early hours of Monday morning.

It understood that negotiations between both parties should carry on till a final decision is reached at the end of the week.

Arteta has had no previous managerial experience but is thought to have learnt the tenets and principles of the game from the best hands, during his three-year trophy-laden stay at the Etihad alongside Guardiola.

The Citizens have won seven major titles during that three year spell including consecutive Premier League titles, helping them establish themselves as a household name in England’s local football.

Manchester City will be looking to continue their defence of the Carabao Cup when they take on Oxford United in a last-8 tie on Wednesday.

In spite of the ongoing speculation about Arteta’s future, Guardiola is confident he will be present for the game at Oxford United. The Spanish boss however submits that he isn’t sure if he can continue to rely on Arteta.

When quizzed about Arteta’s speculative move to Arsenal, Guardiola said:

“I know what you know. Today I saw him. He’s travelling, yes.

“We were so smart to pick him up and now the others want him. He’s an incredible person, a good manager, that’s why he’s done well with us.

“He’s talking with Arsenal so I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Unai Emery was sacked following an abysmal performance from Arsenalbin recent weeks.