Football

Arsenal hierarchy favour Mikel Arteta as next manager but will demand gruelling interview


The Gunners’ decision makers feel Arteta is the stand-out candidate so far (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal’s hierarchy have made Mikel Arteta the leading candidate to take over as their new manager but will reportedly demand an exhaustive interview with the Manchester City coach.

The Gunners parted company with Unai Emery at the end of November and put Freddie Ljungberg in charge on an interim basis, though the Swede has been unable to halt the team’s current malaise.

Arsenal drew in Ljungberg’s first game in charge away at Norwich and lost at home to Brighton in midweek and they are now on their longest run without a league win since 1977.

If Arsenal decide to appoint someone mid-season, then Arteta is the top pick (Picture: Getty)

Despite their woes, Arsenal’s decision makers have insisted that they will remain calm and patient as they search for a permanent successor to Emery – though they may have to speed up if the club’s struggles under Ljungberg continue.

According to The Telegraph, Arsenal chiefs favour a move for Arteta if they are rushed into making an appointment before the summer.

There is a belief that there will be more managers available come the end of the season – with the likes of Thomas Tuchel linked with a departure from PSG – with Arteta the best available choice right now.

Arsenal’s hierarchy – which is led by head of football Raul Sanllehi and technical director Edu – do not want to be rushed into a decision, but feel Arteta is the stand-out pick if Ljungberg’s spell in charge unravels further.

However, as was the case when he was in the frame to replace Arsene Wenger, the Spanish coach will be subjected to an ‘Apprentice-style’ interview grilling in order to land the job.

Pep Guardiola has often suggested Arteta could succeed him at City (Picture: Reuters)

Arsenal want to be absolutely certain they are getting the right man this time, and Arteta will need to convince Sanllehi, Edu and other key figures, such as managing director Vinai Venkatesham, in person.

While Arteta would be keen on taking over at Arsenal, Manchester City could tempt him to commit to the Premier League champions by promising him the City job when Pep Guardiola eventually leaves.

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