Arteta has been tipped to become the new Arsenal head coach and Guardiola has confirmed the 37-year-old’s move to North London is imminent.
Interim manager Freddie Ljungberg has not looked convincing since he took charge of the Gunners following the dismissal of Unai Emery in November.
Arsenal are in a difficult period, having won just three of their last 15 matches in all competitions.
Guardiola has insisted that though he believes in Arteta’s managerial skills and professionalism, it will be difficult for any manager to turn around the current fortunes of Arsenal.
“I think Arsenal [are] always one of the best teams of the last 20 years,” the 48-year-old said.
“When Arsene [Wenger] took over the team, he raised the club to another level and now they are struggling a little bit the last years.”
“When the club takes a decision to replace the manager or buy players it’s always to rise to be better. Whether it’s going to happen or not, I don’t know.”
“You know my opinion about Mikel. He’s a professional human being and a person, I don’t have doubts about that.”
The former Bayern Munich and Barcelona coach revealed Arsenal contacted Arteta and communication between the pair was direct.
“Mikel was honest with me,” Guardiola added. “Arsenal - we were there two days ago. They were talking with our sporting director, the CEO and didn’t say anything.”
“I don’t know if the meeting was at one at night because they didn’t want to make it public, but in the end it was public.
“I think Arsenal want to do the best thing possible. Sometimes it’s not easy to handle this kind of situation.”
“We cannot deny that all the clubs around the world make behind the scenes the first contact to try to avoid the clubs that are in charge.”
“All I can say from what I’m concerned is that Mikel was clear with me and that’s all. Perhaps there is a problem with the chairmen and the CEOs - they have to talk to each other.”
