Sky Sports reporter Guillem Balague has stated that he believes Mikel Arteta is ‘ready for Arsenal challenge’.
Balague goes on to say that the other managerial targets were never first choice over Arteta and that the likes of Luis Enrique and Max Allegri were “probably more to deflect attention from the intended target”.
Balague believes that with Arteta’s lack of managerial experience, it is perfect for him to start at Arsenal, a club he knows very well from his time as a player and captain and because:
“It is easier to run a bigger side simply because… you have more quality to work with.”
“That will almost certainly involve coaching, but not necessarily Arsenal. It is Arsenal that must convince him. Make no mistake, Mikel Arteta is absolutely ready for this challenge.”
This view is highly contested with Arsenal fans being divided over Arteta’s appointment, with many saying it will be great to see a new manager with fresh tactics take over and others saying the huge North London club shouldn’t be handed to someone with no experience.
Not only does Balague believe his lack of experience may suit him better to Arsenal but he believes working with Premier League champion Pep Guardiola may help him at the North London club. Balague writes, “Not only has he learnt about what Pep does, but also just how difficult it is to pull it off”.
In his article about Arteta, Balague voices one of the most optimistic views on Arteta as the new Gunners manager but he still has many critics. A huge section of the fanbase calls for a more experienced manager to take over.
Recently even Arsene Wenger supported Arteta’s claim for the Arsenal throne, saying he has “all the qualities” for the job.
It is a big risk for Arsenal to appoint a manager with no real experience, but given time and some vital new signings Arteta could prove to be a great manager for the North London club.
