Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reaffirmed that he would welcome Arsene Wenger's return to the club after Saturday's win against Newcastle United. The Gunners secured a 2-0 win against Eddie Howe's winless side to go level on points with fourth-placed West Ham United in the Premier League.
A cagey first-half ended 0-0, but Arsenal should've led through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who miscued a close-range rebound onto the post in the latter stages.
Nuno Tavares and Bukayo Saka combined brilliantly down the left as the latter put the hosts ahead on 56 minutes.
And 10 minutes later, Gabriel Martinelli doubled Arsenal's lead just 90 seconds after coming off the bench to replace Saka.
In the build-up to the match, Arteta revealed that he was open for Wenger to return to the Emirates in another role.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Wenger left Arsenal in 2018 after 22 years as manager, with Arteta succeeding his replacement, Unai Emery.
The Frenchman is currently FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development but would undoubtedly be tempted by a return to Arsenal in a different position.
It wouldn't be as the club's manager, with Arteta currently making impressive progress in his rebuild.
And after their latest win, the opening scorer, Saka, explained Arteta instructed his players to block out frustration in search of a breakthrough at half-time.
Mikel Arteta played under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal. (Image: GETTY)