sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Manchester City To Hand Mikel Arteta Boost After Arsenal Snub

Manchester City To Hand Mikel Arteta Boost After Arsenal Snub

Arteta looked certain to move to Arsenal but the Gunners went with Unai Emery instead.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Manchester City could have been annoyed at Mikel Arteta for wanting to leave them but fortunately they're being mature about the whole thing and after Arsenal's u-turn there's some good news for the Spanish coach.

A look behind the curtain for you here but it looked so nailed on that Mikel Arteta was going to be the next manager of Arsenal that I'd already pre-written an article for the moment it happened, and I wasted my time!

On Monday evening it was reported that Arsenal had decided against their former midfielder being the man to take over from Arsene Wenger with former PSG boss Unai Emery instead the man they wanted in charge and he was officially announced on Wednesday morning.

That leaves Arteta in the potentially awkward position of going back to City having said he wanted to leave but fortunately Pep Guardiola wants to welcome him 'back' with open arms and there's more good news for the 36 year old.

According to the Mirror, City are set to hand Arteta a new contract, giving him the same two year extension that they handed Pep Guardiola, and see the former Gunners' captain as a potential replacement to Guardiola.

Arteta with Brian Kidd. Image: PA Images
Arteta with Brian Kidd. Image: PA Images

It's clear that Arteta wants to be a manager at some point, and was reportedly very interested in the return to Arsenal to be top dog, and knowing the pathway is there for him at the Etihad will be a major boost.

The fact that Guardiola doesn't usually stay at a club for too long could also provide a boost to the former Real Sociedad player with the City boss staying four years at Barcelona and three years at Bayern Munich.

Vieira's been managing New York City FC in the MLS. Image: PA Images
Vieira's been managing New York City FC in the MLS. Image: PA Images

Patrick Vieira has also been seen as a potential successor to Guardiola but the Frenchman looks on the verge of a move to Nice which could dent his chances if the Citizens want more continuity.

Arsenal looked destined to have their former player as the new boss but instead went for experience in Emery with the 46 year old having won lots of trophies with Sevilla and PSG.

With the best team in the Premier League now looking like they want to appoint Arteta in the future it could end up being a bad call for the Gunners.

Will Arteta make a good manager?

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Manchester City, Football News, Unai Emery, Arsene Wenger, Premier League, Arsenal, Mikel Arteta