Arteta cut ties with the Gunners in the summer of 2016 after five years with the club, the last two of which he was team captain.

He immediately joined Manchester City as a coach on Pep Guardiola’s backroom staff and has earned plaudits for his work at the Etihad, including among the powers that be at Arsenal.

Arsenal are having to consider their options for the future, with Wenger only under contract in north London until the end of June 2019.

And the latest reports suggest Arteta could be offered the job with the suits still holding him in high regard.

According to The Telegraph, Arsenal remain fond of Arteta despite his decision to snub a coaching role with them when he retired.

The Spaniard’s footballing education at Barcelona as a youngster is thought to be a factor in him being eyed too.

Arsenal also recently appointed ex-Barca chief Raul Sanllehi as head of football relations and he knows Arteta.

Sven Mislintat, the north Londoners’ new head of recruitment, has arrived as part of changes which show Arsenal are planning for the future.

Arteta may be tempted to return to his old side with Guardiola looking likely to extend his City tenure beyond the initially planned three years.

He is not the only man Arsenal have in mind for when Wenger brings an end to his spell with them though.

Josh Kroenke, son and heir to Arsenal owner Stan, is a big fan of club legend Thierry Henry, who completed his UEFA Pro Licence alongside Arteta.

Thomas Tuchel, Leonardo Jardim and Carlo Ancelotti have been talked up as potential candidates if the net is cast wider.

Arteta may have the option to join Arsenal’s arch-rivals Tottenham in the future.

Mauricio Pochettino wrote in his recently released book: "I am very fond of him and he will make an exceptional coach."

However, Arsenal are determined not to lose out on appointing former players as they did with Patrick Vieira.

And work may already be going on behind the scenes to ensure Arteta is aware of their interest in getting him on-board one day.