Carlos Cuesta might be garnering attention for a coaching role at Norwich City but Mikel Arteta sees this as both a compliment to Arsenal and a reflection of his support for the growth of his promising team members.

Reports linking Arsenal assistant Carlos Cuesta to the head coaching role at Norwich City have prompted Mikel Arteta to reflect on the value of his staff and principles of supporting growth. While potentially losing a team member, he focuses on the positives this reflects for the Gunners.

“Yeah, that’s great what has happened, not only with the coaching staff but also other certain staff,” Arteta said, “the fact that other clubs are trying to come and get them, which is always a really good sign that they’re doing a really good job, and we have the right people here.”

This underscores Arteta’s belief in building a dynamic staff where ambition is fuelled: “Yes, it’s very important with the staff as well. Everybody need to feel there is a path, there is a development plan for everyone…People don’t want to do the same thing for three, four, five years. It is a way to incentivise and inspire other people and then to explore because you don’t really know the limit of a person unless you expose him to certain things.”

The Norwich City interest stems from Sporting Director Ben Knapper‘s shared past with Carlos Cuesta at Arsenal. The 28-year-old’s rise within the club reflects his talent and a strong development culture. This interest, while concerning for Arsenal, becomes a potential point of pride.

While Norwich, making a playoff push, faces uncertainty under coach David Wagner, Arteta’s wider focus remains on his team: “We all need opportunities. I got the opportunity when I didn’t have any experience in coaching, first of all at Man City and then here, and I’m very grateful for that. Obviously it is our responsibility, my responsibility, to give, when you see talent, when you see that level of passion and enthusiasm on people, to give them the chance as well to show what they can deliver.”

Notably, Arteta wouldn’t stand in the way of ambitious staff like Cuesta seeking advancement (even to rivals) : “If that’s their will [to leave], you cannot do that. I wouldn’t, no.” This willingness to trust and nurture those he mentors creates a unique dynamic compared to more closed-off management styles.

While fans remain unsure of Cuesta’s future, this situation demonstrates Arteta’s underlying strength. He sees this potential loss as a sign Arsenal‘s environment attracts strong individuals, fueling the club’s healthy future and Arteta believes in continuing to recruit and empower such promising figures.