Arsenal ace to be offered coaching role by Arsene Wenger

ARSENE WENGER admits Mikel Arteta could find himself in a coaching role at Arsenal when he retires.

 

Arsene Wenger says Mikel Arteta could coach at Arsenal one day

 

The Spaniard has been restricted to just 10 appearances this season as he continues to battle an ongoing calf problem.

Arteta's current contract with the Gunners expires in the summer and there has been little talk so far about extending it.

At 33 years of age Arteta's playing career is far from over, but once he does decide to hang up his boots he could come back to north London as a coach following the completion of his badges.

 

"He has to go through the youth system first, but I don’t rule that out (that he could be on the coaching staff)," said Wenger.

"At the moment I don’t have a real need. Our average age is quite high on my staff, they are all good. 

"I am happy with all my staff at the moment. But I think he can be a coach in the future yes and certainly here."

 

Mikel Arteta is expected to return from injury next month

 

Wenger is hoping to have Arteta available for selection next month but admits he will take precautionary steps before putting him back in the first-team set-up.

He added: "It is the same calf injury, but every time I take a gamble and put him back in he has a set back. 

"So this time I was to be a little more cautious and get him to play one or two games in the reserves before he comes back and plays."