Arsenal: Mikel Arteta sneaking in back door wonderfully

The possibility of Mikel Arteta becoming Arsenal manager is gathering pace. And, do you know what? The more I think about it, the more I like it.

Well, that’s it. The Arsene Wenger era is over. But soon, a new one will begin. Arsenal will appoint a new manager. He will bring with him his own ideas, his own philosophies and values, his own style. The club will change, for better or worse. The question, though, is who will change it.

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There have been many names bandied around, from Thierry Henry through to Carlo Ancelotti. But as the process continues and the candidates are slowly whittled down, there seems to be one name rising to the top of the consideration: Mikel Arteta.

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The former defensive midfielder and now Manchester City coach would be a risky choice. No senior management experience. Only 36 years of age. Unproven and unknown. But working with Pep Guardiola is a rare honour, one that sets any coach up perfectly for their managerial career. Arteta, according to Arsenal, if they do approach him, is no different. And Guardiola will not stand in his way. Speaking after City’s season-ending win at Southampton, the 100-point mastermind said:

"“What we have done this season, Mikel his contribution was outstanding, amazing, we work together so good. If he stays I will be the happiest guy in the world and if he decides to move because he has this offer, this option, I will not say you do not have to go. I want the best for my friends and he’s a friend of mine.”"

Clearly, that does not mean that Arteta is sure to be Wenger’s successor. There is a host of candidates and still a great deal not known. However, there are growing suggestions that Arteta could be the man, and, do you know what, the more I think about it, the more I like it.

I’m not actually quite sure if I can give you real reasons why. I do believe that the idea of a coach, someone who can develop the talent that is already at the club, is better than a traditional manager, and I have always stated that Arsenal would be wise in going young, bringing in a fresh perspective and culture-changing direction. Arteta has the potential to be all of those things.

But it is more just a gut feeling. I get excited when I think about Arteta being Arsenal manager. Massimiliano Allegri may have done a fantastic job at Juventus, but I don’t quite get the same sense of anticipation. The same can be said for Thomas Tuchel or Luis Enrique or Carlo Ancelotti or even Patrick Vieira, someone who I was previously a huge advocate for.

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Actually, I want Arteta. He has snuck in the back door of my mind, but I am very happy that he has. I genuinely believe he is the right man for the job, however risky that may sound.