“Arteta would leave Arsenal to join Man United, 100 per cent,” Ferdinand said. “No one is saying it’s happening but if Man United in a wild dream said, ‘do you know what, Erik ten Hag, thank you’ and then Man United say top of the list is Arteta.“Arteta is going in and saying to the lads, ‘listen guys, it’s been emotional but I’ve got to move, I’ve got to go’.”
Arteta has responded calmly and denied frustration, but emphasized the need for positive punditry over negative views.
“No, I think it’s part of our job that we are exposed to the media, to the pundits,” Arteta said.
“And they have their opinions. The only thing is that we normally highlight the ones that are not very positive.
“So we highlight a lot of the time when they say great things, make great comments and great points and analyse things in a really good way and with a vision of someone who has the experience.
“I think if we do this, it is much better. Sometimes, though, we focus too much on the negative views.”
Arteta’s contract at Arsenal expires in the summer of 2025 but he pointed out on a number of occasions that he is keen to extend, if the club are still looking to go down that path.