Sports

Ivan Gazidis held talks with Mikel Arteta after Arsenals defeat to Manchester City

246

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City and Mikel Arteta, assistant coach of Manchester City look on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Tom Flathers/Man City via Getty Images) — Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola masterminded Manchester Citys win over Arsenal. (Getty Images)

Arsenals chief executive Ivan Gazidis spoke with Mikel Arteta in person after Manchester Citys 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, according to reports.

Arteta was close to being appointed as Arsene Wengers successor this summer after lengthy talks with Gazidis and Arsenals hierarchy.

But the Gunners opted to appoint Unai Emery instead, primarily because the 46-year-old represented a more experienced option than the former midfielder.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Gazidis is keen to remain on good terms with Arteta and sought out the Spaniard after Arsenals defeat to the Premier League champions.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists (outside the EU), club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images (+15 in extra time). No use to emulate moving images. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications/services. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Javier Garcia/BPI/REX/Shutterstock (9788127bg) Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola and Assistant Mikel Arteta Arsenal v Manchester City, Premier League football match, Emirates Stadium, London, UK - 12 Aug 2018 — Arteta was close to joining Arsenal in the summer. (BPI/REX/Shutterstock)

More: Football

Advertisement Advertisement

The report claims that Gazidis was keen to ensure there were no hard feelings between Arteta and Arsenal over the decision to appoint Emery as the manager to replace Wenger.

Gazidis also wished Arteta good luck for the rest of his season with City.

Pep Guardiola celebrated with Arteta after Man Citys second goal against Arsenal.

The meeting between the pair was possibly the first time since Arteta held talks over becoming Arsenals manager in May.

Arteta has impressed during his two years as Pep Guardiolas assistant at Manchester City, and the 36-year-old is said to have offered a key piece of tactical advice which led to Bernardo Silvas goal against Arsenal on Sunday.