Manchester City vs Arsenal: Mikel Arteta could join Pep Guardiola's coaching staff

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta could join Pep Guardiola's coaching staff at Manchester City. The 34-year-old Spaniard is thought to be considering retirement from playing at the end of the current campaign, and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admitted he could make this switch to the Etihad Stadium when Guardiola takes charge.

Arteta has been limited to 13 appearances this season, the last of which came in January, and Guardiola is reportedly eager to have him join his coaching staff at City. Wenger revealed it was distinctly possible that Arteta will make the move, although the Frenchman admitted he was not entirely sure of his long-term intentions.

"It's possible," the Arsenal boss revealed during a pre-match press conference, according to the BBC. "He is able to inform you much better than I."

Despite this, Wenger thinks Arteta could also continue his playing career if he wishes to. "When his contract expires, it's a good opportunity to thank him for his contribution, not only as a player but also as a leader," the Arsenal manager explained.

"He's free to decide what he wants to do and have some time to reflect on that. I still think he can play - he would still be a good player everywhere."

Meanwhile, the Arsenal boss also paid tribute to this season's Premier League title winners Leicester City, saying their against-the-odds success is the biggest surprise he has seen since joining the Gunners in 1996. "They had fantastic team spirit and were very efficient defensively. It was a surprise," he confessed.