Arsenal have reportedly lined up Mikel Arteta to be manager of the club after Arsène Wenger, with the Manchester City coach impressing in his new role.

Arteta, who played for Arsenal for five years and captained the club until his retirement, is now working under Pep Guardiola at City as an assistant coach. The Spaniard reportedly chose City over Arsenal and Tottenham at the time.

Now, the Telegraph report that the Gunners are looking to make another move for the 35-year-old. They feel the timing could be right for Arteta to take over in a management role, when Wenger completes his current two year contract.

Manchester City have made a record breaking start to the Premier League season, only dropping points once and not losing a single time as we approach the half-way point. Arteta has been part of that success, albeit as an assistant. The former midfielder also completed his UEFA Pro Licence in September.

Once the Barcelona academy graduate receives official confirmation of that licence, he will have completed all his coaching badges, making him fully qualified to manage.

Arteta would certainly represent a bit of a wildcard appointment from Arsenal.

Despite captaining the Gunners and working as an assistant at Manchester City, he’s never managed before.

My gut instinct is that the club will play it safe after Wenger, bringing in someone with experience managing at the very top level in Europe. Maybe I am wrong, but for now I think it’s too early to say who will be replacing Wenger.