Mikel Arteta Looks Set to Land Arsenal Top Job

Published 12/17/2019, 7:58 AM EST

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Arsenal 3-0 loss to Manchester City seemed to have put the final nail in the coffin for Arsenal’s managerial search. Freddie Ljungberg has been in-charge of the first team since Unai Emery was sacked.

However, the former Arsenal player has failed to improve his team’s fortunes. The Gunners have won just one of their last 12 matches in all competitions. One of Premier League’s premium club, Arsenal are looking set to miss out on Champions League football for yet another year. Though the hierarchy at Arsenal are still hopeful and hence have decided to appoint a permanent manager.

Several names have been linked to the coveted job at the North London club. The long list includes names like Carlo Ancelotti, Mauricio Pochettino, Mikel Artera, Max Allegri, Patrick Viera, Brendan Rodgers, Marcelino, Thomas Tuchel and interim manager Freddie Ljungberg himself. T

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hough one name which is leading the race is Mikel Arteta. Who is currently Pep Guardiola‘s assistant at Manchester City. In fact Arteta’s move to the Emirates is regarded as imminent by some of the sources.

The Spaniard was initially considered for the job in 2018 when a list was drawn to replace Arsene Wenger. Though Unai Emery instead won the race and was appointed ahead of him. However Emery failed to make a mark at the Emirates. And hence the Arsenal chiefs have returned to their initial choice.

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Though the former Everton man has no experience in managing a team on his own. But he is regarded as one of the brightest managerial prospects by some of the best managers in Pep Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino and Arsene Wenger himself.

In fact the Frenchman spoke highly of his former club captain when he was linked with the job in 2018 as he was quoted as saying, “He has all the qualities to do the job,’ Wenger said in 2018. ‘And I see as well that he’s one of the favourites [to replace me]. He was a leader.

He has a good passion for the game. He knows what is important to the club. He was captain of the club. So, why not?”

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With reports of Mikel Arteta having already met with Raul Sanllehi, Vinai Venkatesham and Huss Fahmy. His appointment seems to be a matter of when not if. With Josh Kroenke expected to finalise the deal once the formalities with Arteta and Manchester City are done.

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Written by:

Sudeep Purwar

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