MIKEL ARTETA is set to raid Manchester City for assistant manager Rodolfo Borrell if he takes over at Arsenal, reports have claimed.
Emirates chiefs have identified former Gunners midfielder Arteta as their No1 target to replace Unai Emery after the Spaniard was sacked last month.
And The Mirror report Pep Guardiolas right hand man will look to take City coach Borrell with him to North London.
Borrell was Lionel Messis first coach at Barcelona while he also worked with Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta during his time at the Camp Nou.
He has extensive experience in England also, having been recruited by Rafa Benitez in 2009 where he became Liverpools Technical Director and Head of Coaching for the academy.
But Borrell left in 2014 to link up with ex-Barca manager Guardiola, becoming his assistant.
Arteta again risks the wrath of Etihad bosses after they fumed over pictures of the City coach meeting with Arsenal director Vinai Venkatesham and club lawyer and contract negotiator Huss Fahmy.
The meeting took place at Artetas Manchester mansion in the early hours of Monday morning after City smashed Arsenal 3-0.
The Etihad No2 is said to be considering the deal offered to him by Emirates bosses, after discussions about their transfer policy.
Arteta took training alongside Guardiola yesterday and is expected to be in the dug-out for tonights Carabao Cup clash at Oxford.
The City boss confirmed his assistant is locked in talks with Arsenal– and expects him to make a success as a manager.
Guardiola said: “When we were so smart to pick him up and other clubs want him.
“Hes an incredible person. A good manager, good work ethic thats why hes with us.
“Hes talking with Arsenal so I dont know whats going to happen.”
