---
title: "Arsenal FA Cup hero emerges as sensational shock target for top Premier League rivals"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/arsenal-fa-cup-hero-emerges-as-sensational-shock-target-for-top-premier-league-rivals/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Jonny Gorrie"
section: "Arsenal Football Club"
published: "2016-04-12T18:20:22Z"
modified: "2016-04-12T18:20:22Z"
---

# Arsenal FA Cup hero emerges as sensational shock target for top Premier League rivals

![Arsenal v RSC Anderlecht - UEFA Champions League Group Stage Matchday Four Group D](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/4510929-500x313.jpg)The shock of all but certainly missing out on the title to Leicester City still hasn’t sunk in for the Arsenal fans who occupy the Transfer Tavern in their droves, though reports in the [Daily Mirror](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-city-plot-transfer-arsenals-7734522) that Mikel Arteta is a target for Manchester City have proved to be just as jaw dropping.

The classy Spanish midfielder has been blighted by injuries over the past couple of seasons and is [seemingly](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-city-plot-transfer-arsenals-7734522) on the verge of retiring from the professional game at 34 years of age.

However, Pep Guardiola [reportedly](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-city-plot-transfer-arsenals-7734522) views the former Rangers and Everton man as an ideal candidate to add to his coaching staff as he prepares to takeover at the Etihad from this summer onwards.

The two are [said](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-city-plot-transfer-arsenals-7734522) to be friends from their time at Barcelona together and the current Bayern coach is [thought](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-city-plot-transfer-arsenals-7734522) to be keen on using him as a member of his backroom staff.

He joined the Gunners in 2011 during their infamous deadline day spending frenzy, though has largely proved to be the most popular of those arrivals with the club.

Promoted to captain by Arsene Wenger, he captained the North London giants to FA Cup glory in 2014.

Recently, he has [reportedly](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-city-plot-transfer-arsenals-7734522) been taking coaching badges with the club in preparation for his future.

**Manchester City fans, do you think this is a stroke of genius from Guardiola?**