Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spotted at Real Madrid Under-19s derby against Atletico Madrid | Football

Arteta was a surprise figure in the stands at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium as he watched Atletico secure a 2-0 victory over Madrid to go seven points clear at the top of their league table.

Atletico’s Under-19s are managed by former Chelsea and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, who Arteta played alongside for Spain Under-21s.

Meanwhile, Madrid’s Under-19s are managed by former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa, while former Manchester United left-back was also in attendance watching the game.

Arteta was filmed leaving Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex but did not offer a response when Spanish reporters asked him why Kylian Mbappe would not sign for Arsenal.

Over the weekend, footage emerged of a fan asking Mbappe to join Arsenal but the Paris Saint-Germain forward, who is expected to join Real Madrid this summer,replied ‘no way’, and, ‘it’s too cold there’.

Arteta and his Arsenal played have just enjoyed a rare weekend break as their Premier League fixture against Chelsea was postponed due to the FA Cup quarter-final.

Arsenal head into the international break sitting top of the Premier League, level with Liverpool on 64 points but with a superior goal difference.

Arteta’s side also learned on Friday that they will play Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter final.

If Arsenal eliminate Thomas Tuchel’s side, they will play either Manchester City or Real Madrid in the semi final.

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