ARSENAL chiefs are intent on finally getting their man and making Mikel Arteta the club’s new manager, according to reports.
The former Gunners midfielder, now assistant coach at Manchester City, was in the running for the job when Arsene Wenger left last year.
Arteta joined City’s staff in 2016 after retiring from playing with ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The then Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis vetoed Arteta arriving to take over, favouring Unai Emery.
Daily Mirror say that the club’s new management setup, led by head of football Raul Sanllehi, are once again keen on Arteta.
One hurdle could prove to be City boss Pep Guardiola but he has previously spoken openly about allowing his backroom team to leave if they want to.
And Giovanni van Bronckhorst is already seen as an ideal replacement for the Spaniard if he leaves.
Ex-Barcelona defender van Bronckhorst ended his time as Feyenoord manager in the summer and is reportedly working in a role with City’s owners.
Speaking about the future management prospects of Arteta, 37, earlier in the season, Guardiola said: “He will have success.
“He decided to stay but everyone decides what he’ll do in the future. Sooner or later it’s going to happen.”
Arsenal’s pursuit of a new manager is moving forward after Freddie Ljungberg was installed as Unai Emery’s immediate replacement on an interim basis.
Reports on Sunday morning distanced Nuno Espirito Santo from leaving Wolves for Emirates Stadium with Brendan Rodgers still a top candidate.
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Man City boss Pep Guardiola hints that Mikel Arteta could replace Unai Emery at Arsenal
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
