The likelihood that Mikel Arteta returns to Arsenal, let alone gets a new contract from the club he serves as captain for, becomes increasingly unlikely by the week. The Spanish midfielder has not seen the pitch since January and has already been tipped to retire at the end of the season. But Arteta does not appear ready to head home to Spain – he wants to join up with a former colleague at Manchester City next year.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Arteta is almost a lock to leave Arsenal when his contract expires and he intends to join up with incoming Man City manager Pep Guardiola at the Etihad as a member of his staff next season as he coaches in the Premier League for the very first time.
The Arsenal midfielder became close friends with Pep Guardiola during their playing days together in Spain. With the Bayern Munich manager moving to the Etihad, he’ll likely have much more to offer Arteta than just a chance to stick it to Arsene Wenger.
Arteta has played his last 13 years in the Premier League between Everton and Arsenal. He has served as the Gunners’ captain since 2014.
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