Manchester United exile Kobbie Mainoo tipped to thrive at Arsenal under 'unafraid' Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta pinpointed as perfect mentor to revive Kobbie Mainoo’s career

Kobbie Mainoo has been tipped to thrive at Arsenal amid transfer links with the Manchester United exile.

The young midfielder has dropped down the pecking order under United manager Ruben Amorim , who has afforded the young midfielder just one start this season - coming in the humiliating Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby in August . Mainoo soon after handed in a request to leave on loan , which was rejected by the club.

It is in stark contrast to his role under predecessor Erik ten Hag, who made Mainoo a regular starter in his midfield as his rise to prominence began. Under Amorim this season, Mainoo has played just 138 minutes in the Premier League.

Chelsea have previously expressed an interest in Mainoo , who fits their transfer remit of young talent, and now Arsenal have been linked.

And former Gunners man Stefan Schwarz believes the Emirates Stadium - and working with Mikel Arteta - would be the perfect place for Mainoo to revive his career.

They have a manager in Arteta that is not afraid to give responsibility to young players

Stefan Schwarz

"Arsenal have the best conditions for young players," Schwarz told Hajper .

"And they have a manager in Mikel Arteta that is not afraid to give responsibility to them and give them opportunities when he feels they are ready.

"It's just about preparing them in the best way and that's what Arsenal have done very well the last couple of years."

Arsenal's strength in depth appears to be the difference-maker for them this season as they mount their strongest title challenge yet under Arteta

Rice has been a key member of the Gunners' transformation from also-rans into serious trophy contenders, and Schwarz believes any absence would previous have knocked Arsenal for six.

But now with the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard joining over the summer - and amid links with Mainoo - Arteta has a squad to cope with any significant fitness setback.

Declan Rice is a star for Arsenal

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Schwarz continued: " Declan Rice is a very good player. I like him a lot. He's a good leader. He can play in different positions, he's versatile and so solid. You know what you get from him every week.

"His delivery is unbelievable, and he has a great work rate and ethic. He is one of the leaders at Arsenal . He rarely gets injured, and he's a good character.

"He looks out for and takes care of his team-mates. He is also very good when talking to the media, which is very important and is an understated skill. He’s so important to Arsenal .

"If he was to get injured it would be a huge setback, they could cope in the short term thanks to the size of the squad but losing him for a couple of games wouldn't be a problem."