Mikel Arteta has praised Sergio Aguero after it was announced he would be leaving Manchester City at the end of the campaign, while he played coy on whether Arsenal would consider signing him on a free transfer.
City announced this week that their record scorer would leave when his contract expires this summer window and already a number of suitors have emerged to sign him.
Aguero’s preference is believed to be a move to Barcelona – where he would link up with Lionel Messi – while Man United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with interest in the Argentine forward.
But Arsenal could be a possible destination for the 32-year-old – who is likely to demand wages in excess of £230,000-per-week – with Arteta, who coached the player at City, adamant he is still a good striker.
Asked if he believes Aguero can still perform at a high level, Arteta said: ‘For sure. Sergio has a unique quality to see spaces that nobody else can see and to score goals in a really easy way.
‘So I am sure that he will find the right next chapter for him.’
Asked if he will be calling Aguero to see if he fancies a move to north London, Arteta laughed and replied: ‘No, no, Sergio, we will see what happens with him in the future.’
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Paying tribute to Aguero’s achievement at City, Arteta added: ‘First of all I think anybody who has been close to Sergio would say the same thing: I think he’s been probably the main face – or one of the main three faces – that has lifted that project.
‘You need some leadership, you need some quality, you need players to create moments to start to build a project like [Manchester City] did. And Sergio is probably the biggest face on that project.
‘It’s not only the way he plays, it’s his charisma, his personality, the way he is – he’s loved by everybody at that club. It’s sad to see someone like him leaving, but I think for what he’s done he will be there like history.’
On where Aguero ranks among the best Premier League strikers, Arteta said: ‘He is one of the best for sure. The consistency that he’s shown at this level and this league, I think it puts him right there with the best. We can discuss within the best, but for me, he’s one of the best.
‘I think when a club wants to have a gesture of recognition to somebody that has changed their history, I think it’s a really nice touch.
‘Obviously, you cannot have the stadium full of statues but I think it’s a really nice thing to do.’
