Mikel Arteta says that he has held talks with the legendary former manager over the possibility of returning to Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta played under Arsene Wenger until 2018 when the French tactician decided to walk away from the club. The former manager now works as FIFA’s chief of global football development. However, his close connection with the Gunners has not severed and Arteta has revealed that he has held talks with his former manager.

The pair had a face to face during the premier of Wenger’s new film, ‘Arsene Wenger: Invincible’.

“It was incredibly pleasant to see him and chat to him – and hopefully we can bring him close,” Arteta said on Thursday.

“Because I think he will have a great time just seeing the environment that he can create around him [and] around this place. Because of the respect and admiration that everybody at the club has for what he’s done – and as well for what he represents as a person in this club.’’

However, Arteta has not revealed exactly how the discussions went or what they were about. But the Spanish tactician has suggested that he would like to see his former manager return to the club in some capacity.

It would definitely be a great thing if Wenger returns to the club. While the Londoners have had a torrid last few years, Arteta has managed to steady the ship a little. However, the former Everton midfielder is still very young and is learning his craft. Having someone like Arsene Wenger around is only going to help him become not just a better manager but also understand how to get the best out of the club’s academy which is now starting to produce some really talented players.