Newcastle United managerial target Mikel Arteta is believed to want to remain as Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola’s number two, according to the Northern Echo.
The Spaniard has been zeroed in on as a potential replacement for his countryman Rafael Benitez. However, it appears he is leaning towards remaining with the Premier League champions.
The former Arsenal and Everton midfielder has been enjoying his coaching education under arguably the greatest coach in world football.
So for now it appears the odds of him swapping that environment for life under Mike Ashley at St James’ Park are rather remote.
OPINION
It’s hard to blame Arteta for wanting to remain in the warm cocoon of life as Guardiola’s number two over the madness of life under Ashley. It’s possible that the Spaniard could change his mind were the club to be taken over by the Bin Zayed Group or someone else, although the BZG would appear to have bigger names in mind if they do complete their protracted takeover of the Magpies. Either way, it appears that Arteta won’t be heading to Tyneside any time soon. That’s a shame, because he’d actually be an innovative, progressive choice of manager for a club who have been stuck in the doldrums for too long. Arteta was always thought to be a hugely intelligent player, and his tactical and coaching acumen will have improved immeasurably under the current City boss. So he would have been a brave appointment considering his lack of tangible managerial experience, but he would have represented a fantastic risk/reward situation for the Magpies. However, it doesn’t appear it’s a switch that’s going to be coming off any time soon.
