Mikel Arteta has helped Pep Guardiola win two Premier League titles at Manchester City but is he ready to take over at Boro in the Championship?
Middlesbrough chiefs have considered offering the managerial job to the highly-rated Manchester City coach Mikel Arteta, according to the Northern Echo, but they may struggle to afford Pep Guardiola’s esteemed assistant.
The 37-year-old has spent the last three years honing his coaching skills at the Etihad Stadium and he is currently learning from arguably the greatest tactical mind of the 21st century in two-time Premier League winner Guardiola.
As such, it seems only a matter of time before Arteta cuts loose and attempts to make a name for himself as a manager in his own right. And he could be offered that chance by Middlesbrough; if they can afford to pay his wages, that is.
The Northern Echo reports that the former Arsenal, Everton and Rangers play-maker is under consideration by the Boro board, who are looking at a wide range of options as they look to improve upon a disappointing season under Tony Pulis.
Arteta was very close to taking over from Arsene Wenger at former club Arsenal last summer but, according to the Independent, The Gunners chose Unai Emery instead because of his greater experience.
“My opinion of Mikel is overwhelming,” Guardiola told the Independent in April last year when Arteta was tipped to take over at The Emirates.
“He deserves the best. We are so comfortable working with him, he is one of the reasons for our success this season.”
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