Man City told which manager to target as long-term Pep Guardiola replacement

Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke believes Manchester City would try and lure Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as Pep Guardiola's successor if he was to leave the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola's future with the Blues has been of constant debate during his reign at City. Comparing his contract to 'just a piece of paper' fuelled speculation that the Catalan coach would leave before 2025.

However, after the Premier League filed charges against City last week, Guardiola firmly denied he would be leaving the Etihad any time soon. There will obviously come a time when the 52-year-old will depart and according to Yorke, when that day arrives, City should try to bring former player and coach Arteta back to the club.

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Speaking to OLBG, Yorke said: "If Pep Guardiola leaves Manchester City, I can imagine them trying to replace Guardiola with Mikel Arteta, especially if Arsenal win the league. Until all the evidence and allegations come out, Guardiola will remain at the club and make a decision once the outcome arrives. We'll have to wait and see if anything does happen to Manchester City."

When asked if Arteta would consider a return to the Etihad, Yorke added: "There are some jobs you can't just turn your nose up to. Mikel Arteta has done a fantastic job with Arsenal, and if Manchester City did approach him, I think he would have to think long and hard about the decision.

"Arteta can create his own legacy at Arsenal rather than going back to Manchester City and try to emulate what Pep Guardiola has done. It won't be a straightforward decision, but I like Arteta at Arsenal and he's given himself a great platform to create a legacy. Either way, he will be at a very good