Former Spanish midfielder and current Manchester City assistant coach Mikel Arteta is returning to his ex-club. According to several reports, Arteta has decided to accept the offer to become Arsenal’s new manager. The official confirmation is expected to take place in the coming days.
ESPN reports that Arteta had a discussion with several people from Arsenal’s front office in the past few days and that he only has to meet with the ownership in order to seal the deal. The 37-year-old Spaniard will take over from Unai Emery, who was sacked a few weeks ago after a poor start of the season. Former club legend Freddie Ljungberg was coaching the team on an interim basis since then.
Several high-profile names have been linked with Arsenal’s bench in the past days, with Carlo Ancelotti and Massimiliano Allegri being highly considered for the job. Still, it looks like the club decided to go with someone that has links with the organization.
Mikel Arteta played for Arsenal between 2011 and 2016, ending his playing career as a “gunner.” He played a total of 149 games for the club and scored 16 goals, while also winning two FA Cups. Following his retirement, Arteta went to Manchester City, where he worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant for the previous three years.
