Wenger: Arteta has “all of the qualities” to manager Arsenal

Arsene Wenger believes Mikel Arteta would succeed as Arsenal manager.

The former Gunners captain has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Wenger, despite having very little managerial experience.

The Spaniard, 36, played 150 games for Arsenal and is currently a coach at champions Manchester City.

And Wenger believes he could follow in his footsteps.

“He was a leader, has good passion for the game, knows the club and knows what is important at the club,” Wenger said.

Arteta has been assistant coach at Manchester City since July 2016

Wenger, 68, told Bein Sports: “Overall he has the qualities but I don’t want to influence that publicly.”

“I believe it is important they make their choice in an objective way and after made that decision I will support him.”

Arsenal have also made contact with Patrick Vieira over the vacant position, while reports claim they have also sought out Thierry Henry for talks next week.

The club remain confident of naming a successor before the World Cup begins on 14 June.