Updated: Arsenal sure of naming new manager in next two days
Arsenal are increasingly confident of appointing Mikel Arteta as their next manager this week after holding late-night talks with the Spaniard on Sunday, sources have told Metro.co.uk.
Senior figures from the Gunners, including managing director Vinai Venkatesham and contract negotiator Huss Fahmy, were seen leaving Arteta’s Manchester residence early on Monday morning following City’s 3-0 win against the Gunners on Sunday afternoon.
Metro.co.uk revealed on Saturday that City expected an approach from the Gunners following Sunday’s clash at the Emirates and the club had already given Arteta permission to speak to his former side about an exit from the Eithad.
The meeting at Arteta’s house lasted around two-and-a-half-hours, where he was given promises about the club’s budget, updates on contract renewals and assurances over the board’s expectations in the short-term.
Arteta had been one of a number of candidates to replace Unai Emery a fortnight ago but he’s now the leading contender and the Spaniard has made it clear that he’s willing to put reservations over taking the job in mid-season to one side in order to accept his ‘dream job’.
The Gunners had been willing to bide their time over an appointment but just one win in five matches under Freddie Ljungberg has hastened the club’s pursuit of a new manager.
Pep Guardiola admitted after Sunday’s game that the decision was in Arteta’s hands and the pair were set to meet on Monday afternoon, where it was expected that Arteta would convey his desire to join Arsenal.
When asked about Arteta’s situation after City’s win over Arsenal, Guardiola replied. ‘If it happens, it will happen.
‘When he wants to talk we are open to talk but it’s private, I don’t want to make things uncomfortable.’
City will not stand in Arteta’s way and had been willing to let him leave 18 months ago, when the Spaniard was ‘heartbroken’ to be overlooked in favour of Emery in the running to become Arsene Wenger’s successor.
Arteta has long been touted as a replacement for Guardiola but City do not view the 37-year-old as a viable option once Guardiola steps down.
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Both Newcastle and Everton have both shown interest in Arteta during the last 12 months but the Spaniard made it clear to Guardiola that he would not leave City for anyone other than Arsenal.
Arsenal will have to pay a small compensation fee to City to hire Arteta and the Spaniard can expect a substantial improvement on his £900,000-a-year salary at the Etihad. Arteta had been in north London earlier on Sunday to witness first hand the chaos at Arsenal.