Ivan Gazidis Reportedly Wants Mikel Arteta to Replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal

Former club captain Mikel Arteta is reportedly wanted by Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis to replace Arsene Wenger as manager this summer. 

According to MailOnline's Sami Mokbel, Arteta is the "preferred choice" of both Gazidis and director Josh Kroenke, son of owner Stan Kroenke.

The pair and other key figures at Arsenal want to bring in a "younger coach with a fresh approach," with Arteta and fellow former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira the top candidates if they commit to that idea.

Head of football relations Raul Sanllehi is among others who would prefer Juventus manager Max Allegri as he's more experienced.

However, as Football.London's James Benge noted, Arteta seems more likely than the Italian given the latter's comments to the press:

Arteta, 36, spent five years with Arsenal before joining Manchester City in 2016 as part of the coaching staff, where he has served as an assistant to Sky Blues boss Pep Guardiola.

He has no managerial experience beyond that, though, so he would represent a gamble from the Gunners were they to appoint him.

Per Richard Fay of the Manchester Evening News, Guardiola wants Arteta to remain with him at the Etihad Stadium but will not stand in his way:

"We were together so good, all the staff, Mikel. So if he stays I will be happiest guy in the world. If he decide to move because he has this offer, this option, I will not say you don't have to go.

"I want the best for my friends, and he’s a friend of mine, and I want the best. If he decide to go, I will be so sad, but I will understand his decision, because it’s his career, his life, his family, and I am not right guy to say you don’t have to do that.

"But hopefully, hopefully he can stay and finish what we have started together in the coming years."

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright said on Match of the Day he would welcome his appointment, and The Independent's Miguel Delaney is in agreement:

Football writer James McNicholas believes a lot could depend on the staff who will surround Arteta if he comes in:

The Gunners already face a difficult task as they look to rejoin their rivals at the pinnacle of the Premier League and reverse years of decline, so they can ill afford to get Wenger's replacement wrong.

Arteta would be risky, though his knowledge of the Gunners and experience of honing his trade under arguably the world's best coach would also make him an understandable target for the club.

If Arsenal hire him, bringing in the right backroom staff will be imperative. Such decisions are always important, but with inexperienced managers it's even more vital they have the support they need.