Arsenal fans have reacted to Per Mertesacker’s latest comments on former teammate Mikel Arteta.
The German, who currently heads up the club’s academy, admitted that he would love to work with the Manchester City assistant.
Arteta has been heavily tipped to succeed fellow countryman Unai Emery at the Emirates in the future, with the current Gunners boss under immense pressure in north London.
Mertesacker, talking to Four Four Two, cited by the Daily Mail, said:
I was his vice-captain at Arsenal and he trusted me.
I was by his side during team meetings and we had a great bond. I’d love to work with him again, a top guy.
His comments were shared on social media by @WorldwideAFC, and these Gunners fans were quick to respond to the idea of the pair linking up.
Twitter: @WorldwideAFC Arteta and Per as manager and assistant won’t be a bad idea. Per may not have been the greatest of al… https://t.co/Adri6Yu31t (@mobolajisamuel7)
Twitter: @WorldwideAFC Always loved per, pushing the #Arteta2020 agenda (@AFCKabz)
Twitter: @WorldwideAFC Me too would love to see @m8arteta at @Arsenal .. (@KafeeroUg84)
Read Arsenal verdict
The pair played alongside each other between 2011 and 2016, so they already have a natural chemistry together.
However, whether or not they are ready to succeed Emery should he depart remains to be seen.
Yes, they were both natural leaders on the pitch, but taking things to the dugout is a whole new ball game.
Arteta is building up his managerial knowledge alongside one of the best in Pep Guardiola, so maybe further down the line he should be considered as a possible Gunners boss.
