Mikel Arteta plans to get Arsenal legend back at the Emirates

Mikel Arteta believes that adding Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp to his coaching staff would add to his arsenal following the departure of Freddie Ljungberg. The Swede stepped down from his role as the assistant coach at the Emirates on Saturday, planning to pursue roles in management independently.

Arteta now has a vacancy and as per The Sun, the Gunners boss is eyeing Bergkamp as a potential replacement. Prior to the Dutchman, Arteta was plotting a move for ex-Arsenal and his team-mate Santi Cazorla to take that role as his contract with Villarreal concluded. The plan was shelved as Cazorla extended his playing career by joining Al Sadd.

Bergkamp has been one of Arsenal’s most influential players and the Dutchman was known for his first touch and silky finishes. The forward spent 11 years at the North London club, appearing in 300 games and winning six major trophies.

As opposed to people’s expectations, Bergkamp did not directly jump into coaching post his retirement in 2006 and it is said that he rejected several scouting roles with Arsenal. He then went on to make his dugout-debut at his boyhood club Ajax, where he worked as an assistant for six years but was then dismissed in 2017.

The 51-year-old is without a coaching role since but in his recent interview in July, he said, “When the time is right, I’d love to go back and get a role somewhere. At the moment we’re great in Holland. I’ve got a young family and have been out of coaching for a little while now. But I must admit, I have the urge to go on the pitch again and help, whether it’s with the technical or coaching staff. Of course, it would be ideal at Arsenal, I spent 11 years there and have a good feeling with the club.”

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