PEP GUARDIOLA will not stand in the way of Manchester City No2 Mikel Arteta quitting for Arsenal as he admits: “If it happens, it happens”.
Former Gunners midfielder Arteta has emerged as the club’s favoured choice to take over as manager, having sacked Unai Emery last month.
Caretaker boss Freddie Ljungberg was condemned to his second defeat in five matches against champions City on Sunday – just hours before Arsenal chiefs met with Arteta at his Manchester mansion.
After the 3-0 win at the Emirates, Guardiola confirmed be will not block his assistant from becoming the new Gunners manager.
He said: “He’s an important, important part (of Manchester City’s set-up).
“If it happens, it will happen.
“When he wants to talk we are open to talk but it’s private, I don’t want to make things uncomfortable.”
It was revealed Arsenal managing director Vinai Venkatesham was spotted leaving Arteta’s Manchester home in the early hours this morning following the City drubbing.
The club’s lawyer and contract negotiator Huss Fahmy was also seen making his way out of the house and into the car at 1.20am.
SunSport understands there was a two hour meeting in the North West.
We exclusively reported last week that Arteta wants to become new Arsenal boss – but not until he is given guarantees by the club’s hierarchy.
The City assistant manager is believed to be at the top of a 12-man list of candidates to replace Emery at the Emirates.
But Arteta is seeking assurances over the long-term project in North London before talks begin over a deal.
