Tim Cahill believes former Everton teammate Mikel Arteta has "earned the right" to become manager of Arsenal.

The Manchester City assistant coach, who also played for the Gunners, has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed at Arsene Wenger after the Frenchman ended his 22-year stint at the north London club.

"The best thing for him is he's out there learning his trade, putting in the hours that count," Cahill told beIN Sports. "He's taking it so seriously and he's got great and understanding of the game.

"Who he's working for and with know, it's probably one of the strongest setups in the world and probably one of the best managers in the world.

"When you talk about someone like Mikel coming into a club like Arsenal, who he has already been a part of, knows the background of, he's not someone that you would not put in the frame. Put experience and all this away… they can build something special with these ex-players who love the club and maybe someone experienced with them.

"The piece of the puzzle comes with what the coaching staff is going to be. That's the secret for most successful managers around the world… Can he do? I'll never say no he can't. If the opportunity arises then it's definitely something for him as an individual to look at because he's earned that right."