Mikel Arteta's proven he's the 'next Pep Guardiola’ by improving three Arsenal players

Divisive Arsenal fan Piers Morgan is convinced that Mikel Arteta is the rightful successor to Pep Guardiola’s Premier League throne. The Manchester City manager has reigned supreme over England’s top flight in recent years, clinching five titles in seven seasons.

Arteta has given him a run for his money in two consecutive seasons, but just like the previous campaign, the Gunners couldn’t keep up with their sky blue rivals. Despite not having any winners medals to show for their efforts, Arteta’s coaching prowess and tactical acumen have been evident.

In addition to assembling an impressive squad at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta has achieved something few people on earth have managed – he managed to force the former Britain’s Got Talent host to admit he was wrong.

Morgan was once a regular critic of Arteta on X during the Spaniard’s early tenure in the Gunners’ hot seat. Now, he is a fervent supporter of the former City assistant manager and his work.

Guardiola recently confessed that he believes the next season could be his last at the Etihad Stadium. Morgan doesn’t just rate Arteta highly; he believes that he will be the one to lead the way in the Premier League if Guardiola departs City at the end of next season, reports Football London.

While appearing on William Hill’s ‘Up Front with Simon Jordan’ podcast, Morgan was questioned about his past criticism of Arteta. After a hearty laugh and conceding his earlier misjudgement, the outspoken 59-year-old said: “I think Mikel Arteta is the natural successor in world football to become the next Pep Guardiola. I cannot speak any higher of everything about him.

“If next season is Guardiola’s last, then he’ll be determined to go out with five on the bounce and I think he’s now the best manager in history and has got a great claim for that. I always thought it was Sir Alex Ferguson, but I think Pep is just incredible.”

The commentator was then quizzed on what altered his perception of the Arsenal chief, to which he credited Arteta’s influence on Martin Odegaard, as well as Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, who were acquired from West Ham and Chelsea respectively last summer.

He continued: “I always look at managers and think ‘Do they improve players?’ Sir Alex won his final season at United with a pretty ropey team, but he was able to make s*** players shine.

“This is where Arteta has been brilliant, when you look at players like Martin Odegaard, how he’s improved under him, Declan Rice is up another gear already from where he was.

“But I do think Arteta makes players play better, he improves them. Kai Havertz, classic example. Everyone at Arsenal for the first couple of months, he did a lot better than people thought. I don’t think he’s our main striker, but as a guy who proved people wrong this season, absolutely.”