Pep Guardiola confirms Arsenal interest in Mikel Arteta

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that assistant Mikel Arteta has held negotiations with Arsenal regarding the managerial vacancy.

The Spaniard has been linked with the Gunners job since Unai Emery was sacked last month and reports have emerged that he could be announced as the new head coach by the weekend.

Speaking in a press conference, Guardiola heaped praise on the qualities of his compatriot and acknowledged that there has been contact between the Spaniard and the Gunners.

"He’s an incredible person… work ethic… and that’s why he’s with us. He is talking with Arsenal so I don’t know what’s going to happen," he told ahead of the midweek League Cup tie.

Arsenal have yet to open discussions with the Cityzens but that appears only a formality with a sum of around £1m expected to be settled once Arteta returns from City's League Cup quarter-final at Oxford.

The Cityzens are overwhelming favourites for the Cup tie and Guardiola is likely to field a strong starting lineup. The club have the chance to win a third-straight League Cup crown this term.