Arteta: I won’t block Arsenal coaches leaving for manager job

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has insisted he will not stop any member of his squad from taking a managerial job as Norwich City want Carlos Cuesta to become their next boss.

Sources have told ESPN that Norwich have identified Arsenal coach Cuesta as a possible replacement for manager David Wagner, who is under increasing pressure as Norwich struggles to qualify for the Championship playoffs while occupying seventh place in the ranking.

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Norwich are unlikely to make an immediate move but are considering a move before the end of the season or this summer, with Cuesta, 28, building a reputation as one of football's best young managers since he joined Arsenal from Juventus in 2020.

Ben Knapper has already left Arsenal for Norwich and, in his role as sporting director at the club, is believed to be behind their interest in Cuesta. It is unclear whether Cuesta would accept the position if it were offered to him.

Asked if he would stand in the way of a manager if he asked to leave, Arteta replied on Friday: “If that's the will? You can't do that. I wouldn't do it, no.

“With the staff as well, everyone must feel that there is a path, a development plan for everyone. People don't want to do the same thing for three, four, five years. It's a way of encouraging and to inspire other people and then to explore because you don't really know a person's limits unless you expose them to certain things.

“I think curiosity is a very important quality that we have within our young team and that motivates the rest.

“We all need opportunities. I got the opportunity when I had no coaching experience, first at Man City and here. I'm very grateful for that.

“It’s my responsibility to give, when you see talent, when you see that level of passion and enthusiasm, to also give them the chance to show what they can offer.”