Mikel Arteta makes secret scouting trip as Arsenal boss keeps tabs on ex-Liverpool pair

Mikel Arteta watching on during Arsenal v Newcastle United (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Since Arsenal’s last Champions League victory over Porto was secured through a penalty shootout, Mikel Arteta has been keeping occupied while the team takes a break. He has also traveled to Spain.

Despite the international break, Mikel Arteta has continued to play football and recently attended a Madrid derby.

Since Arsenal’s match against Chelsea was postponed due to FA Cup action, the manager of the Gunners did not play in the Premier League this past weekend. Rather, the Spaniard watched Real Madrid’s under-19 team play their rivals from Atletico Madrid.

Arteta watched his Atletico Madrid team defeat Los Blancos 2-0 at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium under the direction of former Liverpool forward Fernando Torres. Real was led by Alvaro Arbeloa, another former Red.

Even though they both moved to Anfield in 2007, there was a lot of friction during their most recent Madrid match. After Torres was substituted, Arbeloa issued a warning as the former Chelsea forward shoved his old colleague in a confrontation that resulted in heated words being exchanged.

To move past the incident, the coaches gave each other a hug before Sunday’s game.

According to Spanish reports, Arteta and Arbeloa met in order to exchange ideas. Between 2005 and 2011, when he was playing for Everton, Arteta lived in Merseyside, the same time that Arbeloa and Torres were employed by Liverpool.

Outside the stadium, Arteta posed for pictures with fans. At Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex, the 41-year-old was asked by reporters why Kylian Mbappe refused to sign with Arsenal. He did not respond.

When a young fan asked Mbappe to join the Gunners, he recently stated he had no interest in doing so. The 25-year-old laughed back, “Arsenal?” “There’s no way, there’s no way.” Mbappe continued, “It’s too cold there.”

Arteta hoped his side could at least be discussed when it became known the Frenchman would be leaving PSG this summer. Real Madrid is anticipated to sign Mbappe.

Kylian Mbappe is closing in on a move to Real Madrid ( Image: Getty Images)

The manager of the Gunners stated earlier this year, “We always have to be in the conversation when there is a player of that calibre.” However, as you pointed out, it appears differently. Why not? We will undoubtedly need the greatest players and talent if we want to be the best team.”

Along with former Atletico goalkeeper Leo Franco and Manchester United and Real Madrid defender Gabriel Heinze, Arteta was not the only former celebrity in attendance in Madrid. Both are former teammates of Santiago Solari, who—given his recent influence—is regarded as Real Madrid’s unofficial sporting director.