Everton are looking to bring in their former player Mikel Arteta as the man to succeed Sam Allardyce at Goodison Park. According to recent reports, the Toffees face competition from Arsenal in the race to land the Spaniard, who has been working as an assistant coach with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Arteta has reportedly made a huge impression on both of his former clubs as they look set to battle it out for his services in the near future.
The 35-year-old’s work at the Etihad Stadium has not gone unnoticed with the Merseysiders trying to lure him to Goodison Park to be the successor of Sam Allardyce, who has flattered to deceive since his arrival at the club last year. Big Sam has steered the Toffees clear of relegation but his side are currently in mid-table with nothing to play for in the remainder of this season.
Arteta has featured in 206 matches for Everton during his football career, scoring 35 goals and providing 33 assists in all competitions. However, he is still unproven as a manager which will be a cause for concern for the Blues of Merseyside as they look to bridge the gap between themselves and the Premier League ‘Big Six’ in the coming years.
Big Sam put pen to paper on an 18-month contract after succeeding the sacked Ronald Koeman at the end of November last year but has yet to win over the Toffees’ fans with his style of football. The Blues has fallen victim to back to back losses in the Premier League in the last few weeks which has heaped more pressure on Allardyce. The addition of Arteta could introduce a more attacking approach at the club after the Spaniard’s work with Pep Guardiola this season.
He has been backed by Guardiola as a bright young head coach if given the opportunity to succeed in England’s top flight. The Merseyside outfit are currently in 11th place in the Premier League standings with a tally of 34 points in 29 matches. They are a massive six points behind Burnley who are sitting in 7th place with a home match versus Brighton & Hove Albion looming on the horizon. The potential arrival of Arteta could definitely bring in a more attacking style of play at Goodison Park.
Only time will tell what lies ahead in the future of Arteta and whether Everton can fend off stiff competition from Arsenal and lure him to Merseyside in the near future.
