Pep Guardiola says Mikel Arteta is capable of managing Arsenal or Everton but the Manchester City boss is hoping his assistant stays at the Etihad.
Guardiola insists City have not received any approaches for Arteta but the boss believes his colleague is ready to make the step up.
Asked if he could one day succeed him at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola told Sky Sports News: “He is able to do that, but it depends on him, the club – many things that I cannot decide.”
Guardiola, however says he would not stand in Arteta’s way if he wanted to take up an opportunity elsewhere.
He said: “I’m not a guy that puts a gun to the heads of my staff or players and says what they have to do.
“We are human beings and everyone has dreams and desires. Hopefully he can stay this season and the next one – as long as possible in this club.
“That would be my dream, but Mikel has his own life and I will never say what he has to do.”