Arsene Wenger says Mikel Arteta will get his full support as Arsenal manager - only when he takes the job.

Pep Guardiola's assistant manager at Manchester City is nearing a sensational return to the Emirates as manager with confirmation expected from the Gunners imminently.

"Mikel Arteta has certainly a great future, he has learned a lot in his first experience, in his first position as an assistant coach," Wenger told the Associated Press.

"He will have to deal with the fact he has no experience at that level, and he will have to get surrounded well and have a good environment at the club.

"Arsenal is going through a very difficult period. I just suffer like every other supporter."

Wenger, who is now FIFA's head of global football development, admitted he will throw his full support behind the Spaniard when he takes over.

"Look I am an Arsenal supporter – I said that in my last speech," Wenger told Sky Sports on Wednesday morning.

"At the moment I support the manager in charge, and the manager in charge is [Freddie] Ljungberg.

"When Arteta will be in charge, I will support Arteta.

"For the rest, of course Arsenal is going through a very difficult period so it's better I don't comment too much on that and I just suffer like every supporter."