Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta is undoubtedly a thinker.

Never the quickest, Arteta sees the game and looks to build it. For Rangers and Everton he would do this as a more advanced midfielder, either centrally or from right-midfield. At Arsenal, however, Arteta has been deployed at the base of the midfield.

He suits the role brilliantly. His reading of the game is exemplary and he builds plays excellently. He can truly set the tempo of a match. At least he could. The midfielder is now 33 and has struggled with injuries over the past 12 months. So, what’s next?

It seems he is planning ahead, and Arsenal are keen to help. Arteta is clearly a fantastic influence within the dressing room and it would come as no surprise if the club are eager to keep a player who is interested in coaching and trusted by Arsène Wenger beyond his playing days.

Arteta has openly suggested he has started thinking about his career when his playing days are over, and hinted at a managerial job. If that was to happen, I don’t think too many would be against giving him the chance to prove himself.

Thierry Henry has also been coaching the youth team lately, overseeing u19 UEFA Youth League games.