Arsenal fan would sack Mikel Arteta for Jose Mourinho to get them over the line for league title

They may be five points clear at the Premier League summit but Arsenal fan James would sack Mikel Arteta for Jose Mourinho to get the Gunners "over the line" for this season's league title.

The Gunners supporter was speaking on talkSPORT's radio phone-in with Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent when he made the outrageous comments.

Bent, who enjoyed spells at Spurs, Sunderland and Aston Villa during a 17-year career, began the call by saying: "James, you better not say what I think you're going to say..."

Then this happened. Do not adjust your phone settings because this conversation did play out live on-air.

After former Charlton striker Bent prompted the Arsenal fan to discuss his wild suggestion, he replied: "I would sack Arteta if it meant getting Jose [Mourinho]."

James added: "It's nothing against Arteta, but to get us over the line for that title, Mourinho could do it."

Goldstein, who was in disbelief by the statements made on-air, then interrupts: "Hold on. Would you swap Arteta for Jose right now?"

James responds: "It's a 50/50 coin flip but I'm leaning towards Mourinho."

After a few gasps of shock from the talkSPORT studio, Bent jumps to the defence of Mikel Arteta, who has lost just one league game all season with the Gunners.

"No, James. Come on. Look at Arteta with the dressing room," Bent says. "Look at what he's done with the young players. Jose would not destroy it, but it wouldn't be the same vibe around the football club.

"After what he's done to this point, I can't believe you're willing to turn your back on him now."

Arteta has turned Arsenal into genuine title contenders this season after years of disappointment in England's top flight.

The Spaniard says they must remain realistic as they edge towards their first league title since 2004.

“The way we are performing, obviously it’s impressive and we are really happy with that," he said.

"But, as well, we set the objectives in the short term and what we want to improve and what is making us win that many football matches.”

There's still a long way to go in this season's title race, but many will agree that Mikel Arteta is the man to lead Arsenal to Premier League glory and not anybody else – including former Spurs boss Mourinho.

Thoughts on the above comments made by Gunners fan James?

Let us know in the comments.