Kevin De Bruyne comments on Mikel Arteta to Arsenal links

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Mikel Arteta appears set to become Arsenal’s next permanent manager.

BBC Sport have reported the Gunners are now in talks with the Manchester City number two, after images had surfaced online of chief executive Vinai Venkatesham outside the former midfielder’s home.

It is thought Arteta will now speak to club director Josh Kroenke.

City are set to demand compensation for Arteta, who has been working alongside Pep Guardiola since the summer of 2016.

The Spaniard is a very popular figure at the Etihad and is well respected by the players.

And that admiration is evident from Kevin De Bruyne’s comments, with the £55 million Belgian (BBC Sport) keen to see him succeed.

He said (Mirror): “If he gets a good opportunity to be a head coach, and he thinks it’s time for him to take that, I think as a club you need to let somebody go.

“You want to grow as a head coach. If he doesn’t, it’s his decision, but why, otherwise, start coaching in that way?

“Whatever he wants to do, you have to do it. If you want to grow, you need to take opportunities when they come.”

TBR’s view – Arteta surely next Arsenal manager

At this stage, it seems very likely Arteta will get the job.

City are said to be disappointed with Arsenal’s approach, but generally seem open to letting Arteta move on.

He appears to have the blessing of De Bruyne and the players and Guardiola, and it’d be a surprise from here if the move now fell through.