Arsenal Source: Mikel Arteta Seeks Former Gunner & Teammate for Coaching Staff Ahead of 2025/26 Season — Carlos Cuesta Set to Join Parma

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen on bringing Santi Cazorla to his coaching staff ahead of the 2025/26 season.
 

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported earlier that Arsenal's assistant head coach Carlos Cuesta is close to becoming the new manager of Serie A side Parma. This opens the door for the Gunners to secure a replacement for the outgoing Cuesta.

According to NowArsenal, Arteta wants former Gunner and teammate Santi Cazorla to join his coaching staff.

Arteta is believed to rate Cazorla highly, both as a person and as a professional.

Sources close to the club told NowArsenal:

"Mikel has always spoken highly of Santi, both as a person and a player. He believes Santi's experience and charisma could be invaluable for the young squad, especially in a coaching capacity."

Back in April 2024, Arteta publicly praised Cazorla and the attributes he could transmit to a team. 

In January 2025, Cazorla himself expressed his admiration for Arteta in an interview with The Athletic: "Playing with Mikel was like sharing the pitch with a future coach. His leadership and vision were clear even then.”