Manchester City coach Mikel Arteta has held discussions with Arsenal over the vacant managerial position, say the BBC.
Arteta, an assistant coach at City, is highly regarded in coaching circles and it is widely believed that he will be in the running for future managements openings at top clubs.
The 37-year-old is said to have held talks with Gunners chief executive Vinai Venkatesham following the side’s three-goal loss to City on Sunday.
Indeed, the former central midfielder has been linked to the Arsenal job – he was reportedly in the running to replace Arsene Wenger in the summer of 2018 and is now rumoured to be in-line to replace Unai Emery – who was appointed 18 months ago.
Arteta enjoyed a successful playing career in the UK with stints at Glasgow Rangers, Everton and Arsenal before moving to Guardiola’s coaching staff when he was appointed at the club in 2016.
However, the Gunners are in disarray – with just one win in their last 12 matches in all competitions and languishing in mid-table in the Premier League.
