Wenger admits Arteta could join Manchester City in coaching role

Arsene Wenger has conceded that Mikel Arteta is likely to leave Arsenal upon the conclusion of his contract this summer, and there's a chance he could assume a role in Pep Guardiola's backroom staff at Manchester City.

The 34-year-old midfielder has suffered through repeated injuries this term, heightening rumours he's set to hang up his boots. With Guardiola and Arteta familiar from when the former was a senior squad member while the latter was progressing through La Masia academy, many have deemed it a natural fit for the pair to reunite at the Etihad Campus.

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When asked if Arteta's next destination could be City, Wenger replied: "It is possible."

There's been plenty of movement from north London to Manchester recently, with incumbent manager Manuel Pellegrini's squad boasting ex-Arsenal ranks in Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, and Samir Nasri, while Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure also made the switch under Mark Hughes in 2009.

"It is true that he is out of contract here and when his contract finishes it is a good opportunity for me to thank him for his contribution, not only as a player but also as a leader," Wenger continued.

"What kind of orientation will he give now to his career? I heard about that possibility, but he could inform you much better than I can.

"He is free to decide to do what he wants, he will certainly need some time to reflect on whether he continues to play."

Arteta has impressed Wenger in his rehabilitation from calf issues and various other fitness problems, and Wenger believes the Spaniard could continue to play at a high level. If that's not a possibility, jobs throughout the Colney training grounds are filled, meaning Arteta can't follow the same route into coaching as many of Wenger's former charges.

"You cannot create artificial positions at the club. If you have coaches in the under-16s, under-15s and under-14s who are very good, you will not kick them out to make room for players who want to coach."

Arteta could do worse than move to City in the eyes of Gunners' fans, as reports surfaced in April that Mauricio Pochettino is interested in working with him at archrival Tottenham Hotspur.