Manchester City are preparing a move for Barcelona playmaker Andres Iniesta as a replacement for Mikel Arteta, who is closing in on a move to Arsenal.
Yahoo reports that Pep Guardiola wants to sign the Spanish international on a player-coach deal to replace the departing Arteta.
Iniesta, who will leave Barcelona this summer, is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League, despite deals in China and America also being mooted for the former World Cup winner.
Reports have stated that a deal between Arteta and Arsenal is all-but agreed, as he prepares to swap life as City’s number two for the Gunners’ number one.
Arteta’s departure will come as a huge blow for City, who were desperate for him to stay at the club.
The former midfielder is rated highly as a coach by Guardiola, who has hailed him for the role he played during their title-winning season.
