PEP GUARDIOLA says Mikel Arteta faces a huge task to restore Arsenal to their former glory — and then vowed to beat him.
The Gunners are in advanced talks with their former midfielder about leaving as Manchester City No 2 to take over from the axed Unai Emery.
City chief Guardiola said: “When the club takes a decision to replace the manager, it’s always to rise to be better. Whether it’s going to happen or not, I don’t know.
“Arsenal were always one of the best teams over the last 20 years.
“When Arsene Wenger took over, he raised the club to another level and now they are struggling a little bit.
“If Mikel stays I’d be happy because we all work together really well.
“If he decides to move, I’ll wish him all the best for his professional future.
“I will beat him . . . that’s a joke. But the best of luck.”
Guardiola is expecting to have Arteta alongside him in the dugout for tonight’s Carabao Cup quarter-final at Oxford.
Asked whether there is any reason his fellow Spaniard may yet turn down a return to Arsenal, Guardiola said: “It is a good argument. Why not?
“I am not in his brain. We talk about it a little bit but his feelings are his feelings.
“He knows exactly what we think about him. After that, we cannot do more.”
Guardiola insists Arteta, 37, has been up front with him despite the cloak and dagger nature of his late-night meeting with Arsenal executives at the weekend.
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But the Etihad chief believes the Gunners could have handled things better — as they failed to mention it to City directors when the teams played on Sunday.
Guardiola said: “Mikel was honest with me. Two days ago, at Arsenal, they didn’t say anything.
“Perhaps there is a problem with the chairmen and CEOs.”
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