Mikel Arteta has reportedly expressed his desire to assume the vacant managerial position at Arsenal but is wary of upsetting Manchester City.

Reports have claimed that the Spaniard, who spent five years at the North London club, is tipped as one of the favourites to become Arsenal's next permanent boss.

Arteta, along with a number of candidates, is expected to have talks with Arsenal's hierarchy over the coming days.

According to The Sun, Arteta wants to become Arsenal manager but holds reservations over leaving Pep Guardiola, for whom he has worked as an assistant since 2016.

The Catalan coach noted recently that he did not expect Arteta to leave the Etihad until the end of the current campaign at least.

Arsenal's hierarchy has also pinpointed another former player in the form of Patrick Vieira as a candidate for the position.