Pep Guardiola asked about Mikel Arteta and Arsenal manager's job

The Manchester City manager praised sacked Arsenal boss Unai Emery in his press conference on Friday.

Pep Guardiola says that Mikel Arteta is travelling to Newcastle with the Manchester City squad today as reports link him with the Arsenal job.

The former Gunners midfielder is one of several names being mentioned in connection with the hot seat at the Emirates, after the London club announced the sacking of Unai Emery.

Guardiola urged Arteta to stay with City, at least until summer, when asked earlier in the week, but he has refused to answer any questions about what Arteta's intentions might be.

He simply replied: "He is in the squad, he travels to Newcastle," when quizzed about his assitant.

Arteta was linked with Arsenal last year, before Emery was appointed, but said then that he wanted to win the Champions League with City.

He also turned down the chance to take th Newcastle job a later old a Catalan radio station of his managerial job offers

"The first time was different, the second was mostly me. Firstly, that I am not in a hurry and I have not felt that I need to take the step.

"There are important conditions, especially in a first experience for me that are vital and eventually… I learned that these are essential to develop what you want, no matter how clear your vision is."

Guardiola also expressed his sympathy for Emery, an old adversary from his time in charge at Sevilla in Spain.

"I am so sorry for him. Every time a manager is sacked it’s not good news," he said.

"He did incredible in Spain and France and made an incredible achievement which no-one else will do to win three (Europa Leagues) in a row with Sevilla.

"That’s football. He knows and I know it’s about results. He will find a new job soon."