Pep Guardiola has stressed that Mikel Arteta is an "important part" of Manchester City's success, but admitted he is open to discussing his assistant's position at the club.
Arteta's future with the Premier League champions has been a key subject of discussion in recent weeks as he continues to be heavily linked with the vacant managerial positions at Arsenal and Everton .
The Spaniard played for both clubs during his career and his growing coaching reputation at the Etihad Stadium has reportedly put him in their sights following the recent sackings of Unai Emery and Marco Silva.
Guardiola has frequently said he would like Arteta to remain as part of his coaching staff, but admitted he cannot guarantee that his right-hand man will stay put.
"He's part of the huge success we've had. He's an important, important part," he told Sky Sports .
"If it happens, it will happen. What is going to happen I don't know.
"When he wants to talk we are open to talk but it's private, I don't want to make things uncomfortable."
Guardiola's comments came after his side's victory over Arsenal on Sunday.
Arteta returned to his former club as City bounced back from last weekend's disappointing defeat in the Manchester Derby to secure a comfortable 3-0 win at the Emirates Stadium.
Kevin De Bruyne scored a first-half brace and set up Raheem Sterling to cap-off another disappointing afternoon for Gunners' interim boss Freddie Ljungberg.
And Guardiola was full of praise for the Belgian after the final whistle.
"It was a nice game and we won it," he said in his post-game press conference. "Kevin made two incredible goals and one assist. I am happy for the three points.
"He sees passes and actions that normal human beings cannot see. Having a special vision and his assists, I always say you have to score more goals.
"Always we speak to him about that and today he scored two incredible goals."
