Villarreal manager Unai Emery has said Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are a 'good marriage'.

Arteta succeeded Emery as Arsenal manager in December 2019.

The two clubs will face in the Europa League semi-finals, starting with Thursday's first leg in Spain.

Emery told UEFA's official website: "Arteta is putting his own stamp on things – in the way they play, it's easy to identify he's bringing back that Arsenal tradition of playing attractive football.

"His first steps as Pep Guardiola's assistant have helped him to position himself in this new profession which is being the manager. Now he has been given this opportunity at Arsenal, and I think it's a good place to develop because he is much loved by Arsenal thanks to the time he spent in the team.

"He had his time [playing] there with Arsene Wenger so I'm sure he can apply everything he learned. I think it's a good marriage: Arteta-Arsenal, Arsenal-Arteta."