Yaya Toure says Mikel Arteta is a ‘very good’ option for Arsenal but insists the Manchester City coach faces a ‘difficult’ job if he joins the Gunners.
Arteta, who has been Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Man City since 2016, is expected to be unveiled as the new permanent Arsenal manager this week.
The Gunners have been searching for a new full-time boss since sacking Unai Emery at the end of last month. Club legend Freddie Ljungberg was placed in temporary charge of the side.
Arteta spent five years at Arsenal as a player and can give the club a ‘new vision of football’, according to former Premier League winner Toure.
But the Manchester City legend has warned Arteta that he faces a ‘difficult’ job at the Emirates with Arsenal currently only tenth in the Premier League.
‘It’s going to be quite difficult. Why? Because Arsenal are struggling and I think if the directors of Arsenal listen to him and go in his way, maybe it’s going to work,’ Toure told AP.
‘All the time when you come in a new club which is struggling, you need the backing of your board to listen to you and do what you want.
‘Obviously City have a lot more money [to spend] than Arsenal and I think it’s going to be quite complicated.’
On Arteta’s managerial credentials, Toure added: ‘He’s very smart and he’s achieved a lot of experience in football games.
‘I think he’s going to be good, good, good for Arsenal because Arsenal need a manager with a new mind and a new setup.
‘We’ve been identifying Arsenal with Arsene Wenger because Arsene Wenger was top drawer for them.
‘I was so sad when I saw the fans arguing Arsene Wenger has to leave and… now what is happening? Arsenal need a new vision of football, and I think Arteta can do it.’
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