Mikel Arteta is closing in on the Arsenal manager’s job, with senior sources at Manchester City now increasingly expecting him to leave and Arsene Wenger also offering public endorsement for his former captain.

Although not directly involved in the recruitment process, Wenger’s opinion still carries huge weight at the Emirates and it is understood that Arteta held further talks with the club’s hierarchy today.

City sources are now becoming increasingly resigned to Arteta’s departure, although he has not yet agreed terms with Arsenal or formally handed in his notice as Pep Guardiola’s assistant.

The situation, though, could move quickly and, after the cull earlier this week of many of Wenger’s staff, discussions at Arsenal are also centring on who might work alongside the new manager.

Midfielder Santi Cazorla was a former team-mate of Arteta and, although he has a decision to make about whether to continue his attempted comeback as a player following a serious ankle injury, could also join his coaching staff.