Per Mertesacker has opened the door for Mikel Arteta to return to Arsenal as manager.
Arteta, 37, spent five years at the Emirates as a player and captained the club during that time.
He is now assistant boss to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City but was linked with the Arsenal job following Arsene Wenger's exit.
Unai Emery ultimately got the job but Arteta's name has come up again with the pressure building on the Gunners boss.
Mertesacker is now the head of Arsenal's academy and admits he would love to work alongside his former teammate again.
I was his vice-captain at Arsenal and he trusted me," Mertesacker told FourFourTwo.
"I was by his side during team meetings and we had a great bond. I’d love to work with him again, a top guy."
Arteta has also been linked with the top job at another of his former clubs, with Everton boss Marco Silva finding himself under increasing pressure.
Speculation over his future has increased with Pep Guardiola's future at the Etihad unclear, with his current deal expiring at the end of next season.
Unai Emery's job is not under immediate threat but that could change if results do not improve.
Arsenal welcome struggling Southampton to the Emirates this weekend before travelling to rock-bottom Norwich.
Arsenal sit sixth after the international break and a good run is needed ahead of tricky encounters against the two Manchester clubs and Chelsea , as well as trips to West Ham and Everton, over the festive period.
