Mikel Arteta has revealed Arsenal technical director Edu is working to build the relationship with their training ground neighbours Watford and has hinted at the pair working together in the future.
Arsenal’s base at London Colney is literally next door to Watford’s, with just a fence and some hedges separating the two teams.
Arteta says the relationship is good between the two clubs, but he would like it to become stronger in the future.
And technical director Edu has been holding talks on the matter with the Hornets, who Arsenal are due to face in the Premier League on Sunday.
“Well, I had some friends from my time there and it’s very easy because after training you just crash into each other with your cars. I think it’s great,” said Arteta.
“I think that relationship should be stronger and stronger and for example, Edu has done some work on that to build those relationships because we are close I think we can help each other in many ways as well. I think it’s a possible thing.”
Asked how a possible relationship with Watford might look, Arteta said: “It depends.
“At least open the relationships and explore possibilities that we can have with our players, with their players.
“They’re next door and we can compete against each other, but at the same time, I think it’s important to have good relationships and that’s the case, I think.”
Watford are on their third head coach of the season after Roy Hodgson was placed in charge following the sacking of Claudio Ranieri.
The 74-year-old had previously looked set to retire from football after leaving Crystal Palace last summer and Arteta is surprised to be facing him again.
“Absolutely because the last time I spoke with him, he sounded pretty convinced [to retire],” said Arteta.
“And looking at his trajectory and everywhere he has been, I thought: ‘Okay, he’s done and he’s going to spend some time with his family.’ But that’s the beautiful thing about this game that you just need it to live.
“Last time I almost said a real goodbye but he’s decided to come back and it tells you about the person, how much he loves the game, how much he needs this game and I think it’s great to have him back.”
