A shock Premier League rival has now been tipped to become Pep Guardiola's successor when he parts ways with Manchester City.
Many expect the treble-winning coach to leave the Citizens when his contract comes to an end in 2025 after he stated at a press conference earlier this year that he "closer to leaving than staying".
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As such, it is believed the Manchester club is working on a succession plan, and former Citizens defender Danny Mills has tipped current Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to be the ideal replacement for Guardiola at the Etihad.
"Mikel Arteta is the best man to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, without a shadow of a doubt," the retired England fullback said, per the Mirror.
"He's worked with Pep, he knows the way City play, and he can come in with the same level of intensity as him."
The Gunners manager's current contract will also run out at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Before Arteta was initially appointed to the role at Arsenal in 2019, the 42-year-old worked at the Etihad as Guardiola's assistant manager.
Since departing the Manchester outfit, Arteta has overseen 231 matches for the North London side, winning 140, drawing 34 and losing 57.
He has also come up against his former mentor on 12 occasions, coming out victorious just three times, while drawing once.
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After an exciting EPL title race over the course of the past season, both coaches will be preparing to once more go head to head in the battle to be crowned champions of England when the next campaign kicks off.
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