Why Mikel Arteta was not universally popular in Arsenals dressing room

Mikel Arteta is in the running to replace Arsene Wenger but the Spaniard was not always a popular figure in the Arsenal dressing room, according to reports.

The 36-year-old, who captained Arsenal for two seasons, is understood to be the first choice of Gunners chief executive Ivan Gazidis as Wengers successor.

Arteta spent five years as a player at Arsenal before hanging up his boots to join Pep Guardiolas coaching team at Manchester City.

And according to the Daily Mirror, Arteta divided opinion during his time in Arsenals dressing room.

The report claims that Spaniard was nicknamed Coach by his teammates because of his attempts to interfere with decisions.

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Its also reported that some players described Arteta as too busy.

But Arsenals hierarchy are not put off by Artetas former reputation in Arsenals dressing room and view the polarised opinion of him as a positive.

Pep Guardiola has already insisted that Manchester City will not stand in Artetas way if he wishes to become Wengers successor.

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