ARSENAL managing director Vinai Venkatesham was spotted leaving Mikel Arteta’s Manchester mansion in the early hours this morning after two-hour talks about the vacant manager’s role.
The move saw the former Gunners midfielder installed as huge favourite to succeed sacked Unai Emery.
Vinai Venkatesham was spotted leaving Mikel Arteta’s house in the early hoursCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Huss Fahmy was also seen jumping into the car outside Arteta’s houseCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
The club’s lawyer and contract negotiator Huss Fahmy was also seen making his way out of the house and into the car at 1.20am.
SunSport understands there was a two hour meeting in the North West and it is now being reported club officials are “in talks with Manchester City”.
Only hours earlier Arteta was at The Emirates – taking his place alongside Pep Guardiola on the Manchester City bench as his side coasted to a 3-0 win against the Gunners.
But his meeting with his former club was far from over – as these sensational pictures prove.
These photos will excite Arsenal fans and suggest the manager situation is getting sortedCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Huss Fahmy is the club’s contract negotiator – could he have been there sorting out a deal for Arteta?Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Mikel Arteta was on the bench at The Emirates – as he helped plot his club Manchester City’s 3-0 win against the GunnersCredit: Getty
The result prompted a furious reaction from Arsenal fans who now want the board to sort out the manager crisis.
Freddie Ljungberg has taken the job in the interim, but results have not improved despite a win against West Ham last week.
And the Swede himself has even told club chiefs to “get on with it” when it comes to appointing a new boss.
GUARDIOLA UNSURE
Speaking after the drubbing to City, Ljungberg said: “I’ve said to them [the board] they need to make a decision.
“We are here to help and the staff are trying to chip in but a decision has to be made so we can have the same resources as other clubs.
“When I say that they say I have to wait and see.”
Meanwhile City boss Guardiola refused to play down the prospect of Arteta, who played 110 times for the Gunners between 2011 and 2016, making a sensational move back to Arsenal as the top man.
Speaking after Kevin De Bruyne’s stunning show in North London, Guardiola said: “I spoke many times.
“He is part of our group and an important person, but what will happen I don’t know.”
ARTETA IS THE ‘PREFERRED OPTION’
MIKEL ARTETA has been Arsenal’s preferred managerial option since the decision to sack Unai Emery last month and now the Manchester City coach is in advanced talks with the club about returning to the Emirates.
Arsenal’s complicated recruitment process involves technical director Edu Gaspar and head of football Raul Sanllehi assessing the tactical and coaching qualities of all the candidates.
Then it is down to managing director Vinai Venkatesham and chief contract negotiator Huss Fahmy to sort out the financial aspects.
And the fact that it was Venkatesham and Fahmy who were spotted leaving Arteta’s home in the small hours of the morning suggests that an agreement could be very close.
The club had been hoping that interim manager Freddie Ljungberg could buy them some much-needed time by steadying the ship rocked by Emery’s departure.
But Sunday’s humbling home defeat by City has accelerated the recruitment process and convinced the board that they need to get a permanent manager on board immediately.
SunSport exclusively reported last week how Arteta wants to become new Arsenal manager – but not until he is given guarantees by the club’s hierarchy.
The Man City assistant manager is believed to be on a 12-man list of candidates to replace Emery at the Emirates.
But Arteta is seeking assurances over the long-term project in North London before talks begin over a deal.
An Etihad source said: “Mikel wants the job but wants to know what is on offer and guarantees from them.
“He will then speak to the club. Mikel is conflicted because of his relationship with Pep and feeling for City after the years there.
“He has been excellent since he got here and there is a feeling he is going to be a top manager one day.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
