Arsenal set to announce new manager

Arsenal director Josh Kroenke has returned to America and is poised to approve Mikel Arteta’s appointment as the club’s new manager.

Arteta’s return to the Emirates Stadium is at an advanced stage following talks with the club’s kingmakers — head of football Raul Sanllehi, technical director Edu, managing director Vinai Venkatesham and head of football operations Huss Fahmy.

Josh Kroenke, son of Gunners owner Stan, has spent an extended period in England to help smooth the transition following the sacking of Unai Emery this month.
But with the club’s recruitment process virtually complete, Josh Kroenke has jetted back to the USA with Arteta’s appointment — baring a dramatic turn of events — expected to follow shortly.

He could be in place in time for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Everton — where the 37-year-old spent six years as a player.

Arsenal’s holding company Kroenke Sports and Entertainment is based in Denver, Colorado. As revealed by Sportsmail yesterday, the Spaniard wants the job and is prepared to leave his role as Manchester City’s No 2 immediately.

He has been in discussions over what is understood to be a three-and-a-half-year contract at the Emirates Stadium.

Despite his managerial inexperience, Arteta will command a salary close to Emery’s £5million-a-season package. But there is recognition behind the scenes that Arteta will need an experienced backroom team to assist him — given this would be his first time in the top seat.

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Arteta will influence the make-up of his backroom team.

Spanish coaches Rodolfo Borrell, who is also currently at City, and Domenec Torrent, who has worked with Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and the Etihad Stadium, are two being suggested as likely to move to Arsenal.