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Mikel Arteta set to play vital role in new Arsenal coach decision as Santi Cazorla suggestion made

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is set to have the final say on any coaching changes expected at the club in the near future, Arsenal Insider understands.

The Gunners have seen something of a change to the coaching staff in recent weeks, following an exit.

Carlos Cuesta has joined Parma as their head coach, meaning the 29-year-old has left the Emirates Stadium for a whole new challenge.

That leaves a potential gap in the Arsenal backroom team, one that is yet to be filled, but could yet have a fresh face in it.

Mikel Arteta looks on during an Arsenal training session
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Mikel Arteta to have final say on Arsenal coaching changes

With Cuesta leaving Arsenal, there have been many questions as to whether the Gunners will decide on a replacement or not.

The current backroom team shares out responsibilities, and the former coach was an important one in terms of connecting with the squad.

Speaking to expert Graeme Bailey about the situation, he told Arsenal Insider: “I think it’s something they’re assessing now and will assess during [the season].

“If Arteta wants one, they’ll do it; if he doesn’t, they won’t. It’s purely a Mikel Arteta decision, I think he’s going through his options as we speak and considering whether to do it.”

It could be an important month coming up for the Arsenal boss in terms of making that decision as well.

With Arsenal’s pre-season just around the corner, Mikel Arteta will be able to test whether the coaching staff are well stocked enough or not.

That could end up having a huge say on the decision, while the names suggested have been largely former Gunners.

Mikel Arteta speaks to Carlos Cuesta during Arsenal vs Everton
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Santi Cazorla’s chances of an Arsenal return as coach

Santi Cazorla has been tipped with an Arsenal return as a potential coaching option, following those changes in the backroom staff.

While that is a possibility, it seems an increasingly unlikely one, following his promotion with boyhood club Real Oviedo to La Liga.

Bailey continued on possible replacements for Cuesta: “I haven’t heard any names. I think some fans have suggested Santi Cazorla, but I think he’ll be busy playing for Oviedo next season.”

It remains to be seen which options could be linked with a move to Arsenal, in that case, should Arteta decide to add a coach or two to the ranks.