Next Arsenal manager: Pep Guardiola reacts to Mikel Arteta speculation following Unai Emery dismissal

Emery sacked as Arsenal manager on Friday morning

Pep Guardiola remained coy when asked about the future of his assistant Mikel Arteta, who has been linked with the vacancy at Arsenal.

Arsenal sacked manager Unai Emery on Friday morning following a string of poor results and underwhelming performances, culminating in Thursday’s Europa League defeat to Frankfurt.

Arteta was approached by Arsenal following Arsene Wenger’s departure from the Emirates 18 months ago, though then-chief executive Ivan Gazidis ultimately appointed Emery.

The Spaniard is now a leading candidate to replace Emery but Guardiola gave little away when asked about interest in Arteta on Friday.

“He’s in the squad,” he said. “He travels to Newcastle [for City’s lunchtime Premier League kick-off on Saturday]. It’s not a question for me.” 

Arteta is a former Arsenal player, making 110 appearances after joining from Everton and serving as club captain before his retirement in 2016.

The 37-year-old subsequently joined Guardiola’s staff at City and has enhanced his reputation in coaching circles while at the club.

Guardiola allowed Arteta to take responsibility of City’s set-up for a game against Arsenal during the 2016-17 season and has always said that his assistant will become a manager one day.