PSG approach for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed as 'groundwork' set for future move

Arsenal fans may want to look away now, because Paris Saint-Germain are plotting a move for Mikel Arteta, it has been claimed.

The Gunners boss helped turn his side into genuine title contenders last season, narrowly losing out to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

Despite the initial disappointment, Arteta's progress was laid bare for all to see and the Spanish tactician has been notably backed in the transfer market this summer.

The north London giants recently confirmed the £65 million signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea. Meanwhile, they have agreed a deal in principle with West Ham to sign Declan Rice for a £105m.

Indeed, it would be a strange decision if Arteta were to leave the club having created such a promising project at the Emirates.

However, PSG reportedly view the 41-year-old as a future manager after already making approaches.

PSG lay 'groundwork' for Arteta

PSG are set to appoint former Barcelona and Spain manager Luis Enrique following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino

to Chelsea. However, that didn't stop the French club making an approach for Arteta.

And although their efforts were deemed unrealistic by French football expert Jonathan Johnson, the CBS journalist reckons Arteta's previous stint as a player for the Ligue 1 side makes him an attractive option.

"I think this approach for Arteta, while never a particularly realistic move now, does perhaps lay the ground for PSG to move for him in the future, because when you’ve played for PSG and end up being a high-profile manager, that counts for a lot in the club’s eyes," Johnson told Caught Offside.

“Arteta’s connections with the club would give him more legitimacy as a candidate, as was the case with Pochettino, so I think he’s one they probably knew was unrealistic now but is also certainly one they’ll look at again in a few years’ time, depending on where Arteta is at that time – he might still be with Arsenal or he could also be with the Spanish national team or looking for another high-profile post.”

Topics: Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Mikel Arteta, Football

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno