Mikel Arteta says Yaya Toure has his number from their time in Manchester, if he wants to join up with Arsenal on the coaching staff.

Having retired from his playing days, Yaya Toure is working towards his UEFA A-Licence. He’s set to spend some time working part-time with Tottenham Hotspur’s academy, which obviously puts him in the area at the moment.

Mikel Arteta was asked in his last press conference whether Toure could potentially come and do some coaching at Arsenal.

“He has my number because we’ve spent some years together at City,” Arteta answered.

“He is a player I appreciate a lot so he can call me and ask me the question.”

There was some overlap between Arteta and Toure’s time with Manchester City, with the midfielder still playing for the club when Arteta joined as Pep Guardiola’s assistant in 2016 and Toure not leaving until 2018.

We also know Arteta and Arsenal are open to these sorts of former-player opportunities, as Jack Wilshere is working with the academy on a short-term basis at the moment.

As for whether Kolo Toure’s older brother could make a good manager in the future, Arteta suggested the 38-year-old has a lot to offer behind the scenes.

“He has the experience, expertise, and has won a lot in the game,” Arteta said.

“He can add value to other players, for sure.”

For the time being, though, it looks like Toure is more likely to end up in a permanent role with Spurs. He’s reportedly open to a more formal opportunity with them, if he gets that chance.