Man Utd legend 'in talks' over Arsenal coaching role

Mikel Arteta could welcome a former Manchester United defender to his backroom staff as Gabriel Heinze is reportedly in talks with Arsenal's coaching department.

The Gunners boss has previously welcomed set-piece coach Nicolas Jover from Manchester City and goalkeeper coach Inaki Cana from Brentford to bolster his backroom staff. With success showing on the pitch from these appointments, Arsenal could soon offer a position to Heinze, who enjoyed successful spells at United and Real Madrid.

Despite being just 45-years-old, Heinze has already managed five different clubs, with his most recent appointment being with Newell's Old Boys for 50 games.

ESPN Argentina report that Arteta and Heinze were seen at a youth match in Madrid together, and since have both travelled to London.

Heinze is said to be weighing up the chance to join Arsenal's coaching staff or continue his own managerial career in his native Argentina.

Several of Arsenal's current coaches have been linked with a move away this summer, with the squad impressing in both the Premier and Champions League.

Arteta currently relies on Albert Stuivenberg and Carlos Cuesta as two of his main assistants at the Emirates. Stuivenberg is expected to depart and become a manager himself, with links to the Ajax job on the cards, whereas Cuesta has been linked to Norwich City.

The Spanish boss will now be on the lookout for someone to fill the vacant backroom seats and is believed to favour former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Heinze. The pair played together during the 2001/02 season and are said to have maintained a strong relationship since.

Reports also state that Heinze has a number of positions on offer, including taking over Argentinian top flight side San Lorenzo as manager.

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