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Arsenal are yet to make an official approach to Manchester City for No 1 managerial candidate Mikel Arteta.

The 36-year-old Spaniard has emerged as the man the Gunners want to succeed Arsene Wenger after spending the last two seasons on Pep Guardiola's backroom staff.

Arteta has held talks with the Gunners but Etihad chiefs are still waiting to hear from both Arteta and Arsenal about their plans.

City do not want to lose Arteta to the club he played for during the last five years of a career that began with Guardiola at Barcelona and also took him to Rangers, Real Sociedad and Everton.

He is a popular figure who has helped freshen up Guardiola's thinking during his time in England.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters) (Image: Getty Images Europe)

And his work with helping to improve the output of widemen Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane was seen as a key factor in the Blues' record-breaking title triumph.

But Guardiola has made it clear he would not stand in his way if he decided to take his first job in management.

It's a stance that is shared with senior boardroom members at the club, who are ready to let Arteta take the job at the Emirates with their blessing.