Chelsea legend claims Mikel Arteta almost ditched Arsenal for Premier League rival

John Terry has revealed Newcastle United approached himself and Mikel Arteta to replace Rafa Benitez in 2019.

Five years ago, the Magpies were in turmoil after Benitez opted against penning a new contract. This came after growing frustrated at former owner Mike Ashley’s lack of ambition in the transfer market.

Newcastle appointed Steve Bruce - an ex-Sunderland manager - triggering a wave of season ticket cancellations. Toon fans’ patience reached a tipping point and thousands voted with their feet in protest at the Sports Direct tycoon.

However, the situation could have played out differently had Newcastle made an ambitious appointment. At the time, Terry and Arteta were early into their retirement as players and working as understudies to more experienced managers.

The Chelsea legend was learning his craft at Aston Villa, with Arteta famously serving as Pep Guardiola’s apprentice. As it turned out, the Magpies appointed Bruce and Arteta would become Arsenal boss just six months later.

Terry made the startling admission while discussing his own managerial ambitions. He told the Up Front with Simon Jordan podcast: “I had the owners of Newcastle in my house. They flew down in a helicopter. We spoke, they spoke to Arteta, myself and ended up going with Brucey. 

“I look back now and, Jesus, some of the questions I was miles off it. I didn’t think about it but it was such a good learning curve. I’m glad I didn’t get it because I was miles out of my depth. But that kind of poked the bear a bit for the next couple (of interviews).”