Arteta's Arsenal credentials talked up by Cahill ahead of Wenger successor call

Mikel Arteta has “earned the right” to be considered for the Arsenal job, says Tim Cahill, with the Gunners wise to look to former heroes for assistance following Arsene Wenger’s departure.

After 22 years of stability in the dugout, those at Emirates Stadium find themselves in the unusual position of having to recruit a new manager.

Goal has revealed that former captain Arteta is the leading candidate to inherit the reins, with the Spaniard having cut his coaching teeth alongside Pep Guardiola at Premier League champions Manchester City.

Cahill believes a man he spent many years playing alongside at Everton is ready to become a boss, with the 36-year-old capable of building his own dynasty in north London if he gets the necessary support.

He told beIN Sports on Arteta’s credentials: “I think the best thing for him is that he's out there learning his trade, he is out there putting in the hours that count.

“He's taking it so seriously within himself, he's got great pride and understanding of the game; the tactics and the knowledge.

“Who he is working for and working with now is probably one of the strongest set-ups in the world and probably one of the best managers in the world.

“So when you talk about someone like Mikel coming into a club like Arsenal who he's already been a part of, already knows the background, already knows what it's all about - including Thierry [Henry] in this as well - he's not someone you would not put in the frame.

“Let’s put experience and all of this away, no one is saying he is going to be the number one or number two but they can build something special with their ex players that love the club. Maybe get someone with experience next to them.

“The piece of the puzzle comes with what the group of coaching staff is going to be and that's the secret for most successful managers around the world, what Pep has built or Jose Mourinho - those sorts of managers.

“Can he do it? I'll never say he can't do it. If the opportunity arises then it's definitely something for him as an individual to look at because he's earned that right.”

Arteta spent five years with Arsenal between 2011 and 2016 before hanging up his boots and joining Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.