Arsenal Reportedly Considering Mikel Arteta as Potential Arsene Wenger Successor

Arsenal are reportedly considering former midfielder and captain Mikel Arteta as a possible candidate to eventually replace their longstanding manager Arsene Wenger. 

According to Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, the 35-year-old, who is working as an assistant manager to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, is held in "high regard" at the Emirates Stadium having spent five years as a player at the club.

Law added Arteta's "success alongside Guardiola has only strengthened the feeling inside the club that he will eventually be the perfect candidate for the job of manager."

It's noted in the report the former Everton playmaker also turned down a chance to work on the coaching staff of Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham Hotspur. He is now said to be "extremely highly rated" at the Etihad Stadium.

Arteta has yet to manage a team and stepping in at the Emirates would represent a massive challenge, especially given the influence Wenger has had at the club since joining in 1996. Not only has the Frenchman altered the culture of Arsenal and brought the team plenty of silverware, his imprint is on every single facet of the Gunners.

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While the fanbase is divided over whether Wenger should be at the helm, the time for him to step aside appears to be nearing.

As noted by Law, the Frenchman signed a new two-year contract in the summer, although there are doubts as to whether he will extend his stay beyond 2019.

After all, Arsenal failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League last season and are in fifth place in the Premier League table. Grup14's Rafael Hernandez noted Wenger has cut a frustrated figure this term:

Replacing him would be a massive ask, and with that in mind, it would be understandable for Arsenal supporters to be a little concerned about the prospect of a novice such as Arteta taking over.

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Evidently the coach has a bright football mind, a rich understanding of the English game and will have taken in plenty having worked alongside one of the greats in Guardiola.

If Arsenal were to come calling, Arteta would surely jump at what would be an incredible opportunity. Nevertheless, for someone so early into their coaching career it would be a huge gamble for the Gunners and the man himself.