Pep Guardiola could offer Mikel Arteta Manchester City coaching role

Arteta's contract expires at the end of the season, and he is set to be offered a job working alongside close friend Pep.

Arteta was part of Barcelona's academy while Guardiola was representing the Spanish champions' first team. He has already completed his badges to coach youth teams at Under 13 and Under 16 level.

Guardiola is apparently considering offering Arteta a job in preparing for his new role in the Premier League.

The friends both came through the La Masia academy at Barca, and were pictured speaking to each other during Arsenal's 2-0 win over Bayern Munich last October.

Arteta has made only eight appearances this season due to a calf problem after turning out seven times last term.

Wenger hinted in December that Wenger could be offered a coaching role with Arsenal's kids, but he could be handed a more senior role with Guardiola at City.

"He has to go through the youth system first, but I don't rule that out," said Wenger.

"At the moment I don't have a real need. Our average age is quite high on my staff.

"They are all good. I am happy with all my staff at the moment. But I think he can be a coach in the future yes and certainly here."

Guardiola's apparent desire to pursue Arteta would make sense. He is a friend, a former Barcelona colleague from Spain and he has a fine knowledge of the Premier League built up over 11 years representing Everton and Arsenal. Whether or not Arteta is ready to retire at the age of 33 is another matter, but the injury problems he has endured during the past two seasons are likely to end his stay at the Emirates. If he wants to continue playing after five years, he may have to pursue a career away from Arsenal. The same might be said for the start of a prospective career as a coach.