Would Arteta benefit from Wenger’s presence? (Picture: Getty Images)
Charlie Nicholas has called for Arsene Wenger to return to Arsenal in order to help current boss Mikel Arteta.
The former Arsenal star thinks Wenger’s presence wouldn’t be a ‘threat’ to the young Spanish boss but would allow him to gain value insight into the ‘real rules’ of management.
Wenger left Arsenal in 2018 after 22 years at the club and has not returned to management since.
And Nicholas thinks he could be involved with a behind-the-scenes role that would help Arteta thrive at the Emirates.
‘I suggested about two years ago they should bring Arsene Wenger back to Arsenal,’ former Gunners striker Nicholas told Paddy Power’s From the Horse’s Mouth Podcast.
‘When Wenger and David Dein were a partnership that was bringing in Thierry Henrys and Patrick Vieiras, it was a partnership that the manager wanted.
Should Wenger return? (Picture: Getty)
‘Their relationship worked an absolute treat. Wenger was probably too intelligent for football and wanted to have a say in the finances of it too, and Dein would say, “If we can afford it, we’re just going to get you the player”. It worked so well.
‘And I’d still take him back now.’
He added: ‘He’d not be a threat to Arteta, he’d be there to help him.
‘He’s a genuine Arsenal fan, and because of that he’ll show the leadership and understanding the club needs.
‘If Arsene was to call or turn up to meet a player from Atletico Madrid or Barcelona or Real Madrid, I think there’s a strong chance he’d help get those deals over the line because of his presence and his reputation.
‘I still think he could play a marvellous part in teaching Arteta the real rules of the management game.
‘Of course, he made a lot of mistakes, and Emery and Arteta have inherited some bad signings he made, but Alex Ferguson made some mistakes too. He’s still the best ever.
‘It happens, but what Wenger created we have to respect.’
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Source:: Metro