Manchester City coach Mikel Arteta is very interested in taking over at Arsenal but reportedly wants guarantees from the club’s board before engaging in further talks.
The Gunners axed Unai Emery at the end of last month after a terrible run of form, with interim boss Freddie Ljungberg finally securing a Premier League victory at the third time of asking to end their two-month barren run.
Arsenal are casting their net wide in the hunt for a permanent successor to Emery, with as many as 10 candidates likely to be interviewed.
Former Valencia manager Marcelino reportedly flew into London for talks earlier in the week, while axed Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti has been linked with an instant return to management with the Gunners.
Arteta, though, is the favourite to get the gig full-time, but The Sun report that he is seeking assurances over the nature of the project at Arsenal before going any further.
While he is keen to return to his former club, and become a manager in his own right after several years as Pep Guardiola’s assistant, he wants a guarantee over what is on offer and their plans for the club.
Whoever takes over at Arsenal faces a testing period, with two of the club’s star players – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette – out of contract in 18 months.
Arteta is also conflicted about leaving City and Guardiola midway through the season, particularly with the side struggling in the Premier League and falling 14 points adrift of rivals Liverpool.
Guardiola has made no secret of his desire to keep Arteta and has hinted that he would be the ideal replacement to take over at the Etihad when he himself eventually leaves.
Arsenal are believed to be keen to bring in a manager who has ties to the club, giving Arteta – who used to skipper the side – an advantage, though technical director Edu favours Gunners legend Patrick Vieira.
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