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23rd Feb 2016

Pep Guardiola wants to add Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta to his coaching staff

Tom Victor

Pep Guardiola’s first act as Manchester City manager could be to bring in Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta.

But the former Everton man would not be arriving as a player. Rather, Guardiola is thought to want the 33-year-old t join the club as a coach.

Arteta began his career at Barcelona when Guardiola was captain of the Catalan club, and the pair are known to be close off the field.

And now The Times report that the outgoing Bayern Munich boss is keen to reunite with his friend if Arteta opts to retire from playing this summer.

Arsenal v VfL Wolfsburg - Emirates Cup

It suggests Guardiola is keen to bring in someone with Premier League experience as he embarks on his first managerial job in England.

Arteta’s Arsenal contract will expire in the summer, and he is reported to have already met with Guardiola at Bayern’s training complex.

The former Everton man has suffered with injuries this season, making just 13 appearances and only three since the turn of the year.