A theme appears to be emerging at Arsenal regarding who could follow in Mikel Arteta's footsteps and potentially manage the club at some point in the future.
Last month, Nasser El-Neny, the father of Mohamed Elneny, tipped his son to move into coaching after his playing days draw to a close, going as far as to predict a major role with the Gunners: "I was sure that Elneny would continue with Arsenal, and I told him that, even though everyone in Egypt was saying that he would leave the team this summer," he told MBC Egypt.
"The Arsenal players love Elneny, he is loved among his colleagues in the dressing room, and the club's management loves him, so I think he will coach Arsenal in the future."
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With that said, Elneny may have some competition - should he wish to coach Arsenal in the future - from current teammate Granit Xhaka as the midfielder has revealed he's already doing his coaching badges and has even sent an early warning to Arteta.
"I'm doing my licence, man," the Switzerland international told football.london. "I told Mikel to be careful."
Of course, at 29-year-old and still very much a regular in the Gunners' side under Arteta and for his national team, it could be a while yet before Xhaka hangs up his boots and transitions into a coaching role - whether that be at the Emirates Stadium or elsewhere.
Although, as one of the longest-serving players at Arsenal right now, it may not be too long before Xhaka decides to seek pastures news. In fact, with the midfielder admitting it is a shame that his contract expires in 2024, that could be a hint as to when he will leave.
"With Rob Holding and Hector, I think I'm the only guy here from six or seven years ago, everyone else is new here," he added. "On one side, that makes me very proud. On the other side, you have to know the other players as well. We are building something very special here with the project with Mikel and stuff like this.
"It's a shame I only have two years more on my contract. Let's see what happens after two years. But I am seeing a big, big future for this club."
Previously Xhaka has revealed he would like to finish his playing career with former club Basel: "Definitely! My career started here, and there is a goal, actually, my dream to return someday," he told Basellandschaftliche Zeitung, as per Sport Witness, in 2018.
"That certainly won't be the case at 28, I'll be honest. It'll probably be more like Alex Frei, who's the best example of how to do it. He came back once he was in his thirties but still performed and helped FCB win a few titles. Of course, the expectations are high when you come back again, but it is clearly a dream."
So it could be that after leaving Arsenal, Xhaka fulfils his dream by returning to Basel to see out his playing career before moving into coaching, provided he obtains the necessary badges to become a manager and perhaps he will emulate Arteta by leading the Gunners one day?
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