Arsenal have received a boost in their hunt for a new manager with Manchester City coach Mikel Arteta reportedly ready to consider taking the job right away. The Gunners remain on the lookout for a replacement for Unai Emery, who was sacked at the end of November.
Arsenal’s need for a new manager was patently clear on Sunday as they were hammered 3-0 at home by Manchester City.
The Gunners started brightly with Gabriel Martinelli going close but, the moment Kevin De Bruyne put Pep Guardiola’s side in front, the north Londoners had no chance.
City added further goals through De Bruyne again and Raheem Sterling to make it a chastening night for Arsenal.
Sitting on the opposition bench was Arteta.
He’s been heavily linked with a move to the Gunners, who he captained during his playing days.
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Interim boss Freddie Ljungberg was brought in to lift the mood following the dark days before Emery’s sacking.
But things have failed to improve.
The Arsenal boss has won just one match from five attempts, masterminding a 3-1 win over West Ham earlier this month.
They’ve lost to Brighton and Manchester City and only managed draws against Norwich and Standard Liege.
And, speaking on Sunday, Ljungberg called on the Arsenal hierarchy to make a decision on their next manager soon.
“I’ve said to them [the board] they need to make a decision,” he told Sky Sports after the 3-0 defeat to City.
“We are all here to help but [interim assistant manager] Per [Mertesacker] is doing another job [managing the Arsenal academy] at the same time and he’s doing great to help.
“I must say thank you to all the other staff for trying to chip in but a decision has to be made so we can have the same resources as other clubs.”
Arsenal are next in action against Everton on Saturday (12.30pm).
And they’ll be going up against a Toffees side with momentum. They beat Chelsea in Duncan Ferguson’s first game as interim boss and, on Sunday, held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
