Pep Guardiola would not stand in the way if Newcastle United make an approach for his assistant Mikel Arteta, claim Etihad insiders. Earlier this week, former Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany identified the 37-year-old as a prime candidate to replace Guardiola, when the Catalan does one day eventually decide to move on.
However, the shock managerial departure of Rafa Benitez at St James’ Park has seen Arteta’s name thrown into the mix of possible options to fill the challenging vacancy. The Spaniard is building an impressive reputation in coaching circles since he accepted an invitation to work alongside Guardiola three years ago.
Arteta was the favourite to take over from Arsene Wenger at Arsenal last summer before his former employers had a late change of heart and instead appointed Unai Emery. Arteta had previously received the full backing from Pep and City to spread his wings if an attractive manager’s job was ever on the table.
That stance remains the case, although City insiders are confident Arteta is happy in his present role and the Newcastle job might not be the one to turn his head at this early stage of his coaching career.
