Pep Guardiola will not stand in Mikel Arteta's way if he wishes leave his post at Manchester City and become the new manager of Arsenal, insisting that his assistant is free to do what he wants.
Unai Emery was sacked by the north London club on Friday morning following a string of poor results and underwhelming performances, culminating in Thursday night's Europa League defeat at home to Frankfurt.
Arteta was approached by Arsenal following Arsene Wenger's departure 18 months ago but ultimately lost out to Emery, who failed to finish in the top four last season and had picked up just four league wins so far this term.
Guardiola has always said that Arteta will become a manager one day and, though he hopes to keep him on his staff, he will not block any potential move to City's Premier League rivals.
“I said many times with my players, staff, they’re free to do what they want to do," he said. "It’s about being a friend, I want the best for him. What I want is we stay this season together and next season together but I don’t know what’s the best for him."
Guardiola said that Arteta - who The Independent revealed on Friday is one of four names on Arsenal's shortlist - will travel with the City squad for Saturday's Premier League lunchtime kick-off at Newcastle United.
Arteta is a former Arsenal player, making 110 appearances under Wenger after joining from Everton in 2011. The Spaniard served as Arsenal's club captain before hanging up his boots in 2016.
The 37-year-old subsequently joined Guardiola’s staff and has enhanced his reputation in coaching circles while at the club, playing a key part in City's back-to-back Premier League title wins.
