Arsene Wenger believes Manchester City coach Mikel Arteta has the "qualities" required to succeed him at Arsenal.
Wenger is leaving Arsenal after 22 years at the club, with former Gunners captain Arteta revealed by Goal to be the front-runner for the post.
Talks are due to be held between Arsenal and Arteta on Thursday, with Pep Guardiola having confirmed he will allow the Spaniard to leave City, should the 36-year-old be offered the job.
And Wenger has given his backing to Arteta as the next manager of Arsenal, who missed out on Champions League qualification for the second year in a row and lost in the semi-finals of the Europa League.