According to reports, if two names are closely associated with Manchester City’s recent successes, they are undoubtedly Sergio Aguero and Pep Guardiola. Although they couldn’t secure a Champions League title during their five years together at the club, they played key roles in the team’s most significant achievements.

These two know each other deeply, and now Aguero is considered one of the most credible figures to comment on City’s present and future. He has stated who would be the ideal candidate to take over from Guardiola if needed.

Despite recent months being one of the weakest periods for the English team in terms of results under Guardiola, a managerial change is not on the agenda for the club’s executives. They have recently extended Guardiola’s contract until June 30, 2027—a decision that has temporarily halted rumors about his potential departure at the end of the season.

However, Aguero revealed in an interview that his top choice to manage Manchester City after Guardiola’s era is none other than a familiar face with a solid background: Mikel Arteta.

The current Arsenal manager, who recently reached the Champions League semifinals after eliminating Real Madrid, was part of Guardiola’s coaching staff at Manchester City before taking charge of the Gunners.

The former Argentine striker first praised Arteta’s recent performance in the Premier League: “Arteta has done a brilliant job at Arsenal. Maybe now isn’t the right time for this discussion, but if we look to the future and wonder whether he could be a good manager for City, I’d say he’s fully qualified. He could fill Pep’s shoes and is the best successor for him.”

He also spoke about his close relationship with Arteta during his playing days at Manchester City: “I had a very close relationship with Arteta. He knows how to connect with players, has talent, and is highly skilled at clearly conveying his ideas. It’s no surprise he’s been so successful. He’s turning Arsenal into an incredible team.”