Mikel Arteta to Arsenal: Arsene Wenger says he has 'all the qualities' to become club's next manager

Arsene Wenger has backed Mikel Arteta to succeed him as the next Arsenal manager, saying his former captain has ‘all the qualities’ to be a success in the role.

Standard Sport understands that the former Gunners is the frontrunner to for the job , after Wenger stood down at the end of the 2017-18 campaign, marking the end of his 22-years at the helm.

"He has all the qualities to do the job, yes, and I think as well he is one of the favourites,” Wenger told beIN Sports.

"He was a leader, and he has a good passion for the game and he knows the club well, he knows what is important at the club and he was captain of the club. Why not?"

Since leaving Arsenal at the end of the 2016 season, Arteta has been part of Manchester City’s coaching setup, working as Pep Guardiola’s assistant.

But despite his lack of direct managerial experience, Wenger believes Arteta can be helped by the members of his backroom staff still at the club.

"I left a lot of experience behind me, people who were with me like Steve Bould, who has six years’ experience, and Jens Lehmann too.

"He has been an assistant of Guardiola as well, so overall I think he has the qualities."