Arsenal "want to keep Arsene Wenger identity" amid his bold champion claim

Mikel Arteta's No.2 Miguel Molina believes Arsenal are still looking to continue with the identity laid down by Arsene Wenger.

The current Gunners boss is the second man to take charge at the Emirates since the Frenchman's retirement in 2018.

Unai Emery replaced him before Arteta was appointed in December 2019.

Molina soon followed and, at just 28, encompasses a youthful coaching team and playing staff.

During Wenger's first decade as boss, Arsenal won three league titles and four FA Cups as they rivalled Manchester United's dominance.

The latter half of his tenure didn't result in the same success, but the legendary manager remains a vital part of the club's character.

Wenger backed youth and was at times lauded for Arsenal's brand of football. The current Gunners side are also putting their faith in younger players in Molina hoping they can carry on with those traditions.

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Arsene Wenger led Arsenal for over two decades

He told Mundo : "Wenger helped to create an identity and a style in the club.

"Ultimately the idea is to give continuity to that identity, to adjust those things that were not now in the best way within the club.

"But that identity that Wenger helped to create is something that you have to keep always."

Wenger has been credited with having an integral role in the development of the Emirates Stadium, where the club have played since 2006.

Only last year the Frenchman claimed "it doesn't take long" to build a champion side, having quickly turned Arsenal into top flight winners upon his arrival.

Wenger was an unknown quantity when he arrived in England and face heavy criticism towards the end of his reign.

"You face always judgement - what you can do is to try and change it in a positive way," the Frenchman previously told Sky Sports.

"I believe I was loyal, committed and worked with integrity. Always with one thing in mind - what is best for this club. Internally I am at peace."

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Arteta's Arsenal side have won the FA Cup but remain someway behind the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City.

The Spaniard worked under Pep Guardiola before taking the plunge into management and his assistant claims he is working with the Catalan's "little brother".

He said: "If they asked me a few years ago who I would like to be with, I would have said Mikel.

"In the end, you always think of Pep Guardiola by imagining a coach and I'm with his little brother, as I say. I can't ask for more."