Mikel Arteta Likely To Replace Arsene Wenger

AARON STOKES

Mikel Arteta has reportedly agreed to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal this summer.

The Spaniard captained the Gunners during his playing days, before retiring to move into coaching. Arteta has partnered Pep Guardiola at Manchester City since his arrival in 2016. And the duo won the Premier League in fine fashion this season, breaking numerous records along the way.

Arteta has been the front-runner for the role in recent weeks, after Massimiliano Allegri reaffirmed his desire to remain at Juventus. The former midfielder is set to make a host of changes to Arsenal’s backroom team, with a large number of coaching and medical staff to lose their jobs.

Arteta has reportedly made the recommendation for Colin Lewin to leave after 23 years as head of medical services. The 36-year-old blames him for rushing him back after an injury when he was skipper at the Emirates. To add, Arteta will be working alongside new head scout Sven Mislintat and head of football relations Sven Mislintat. Guardiola last week gave a statement regarding his No 2, offering his support should he accept the role in north London.

And Wenger seemingly anointed Arteta as his successor yesterday by saying: “I don’t want to influence that decision – it’s important they make their choice in an objective way and I don’t want anything I say to be misconstrued.

“I know how you do these things – if I say something nice about somebody you will say I am backing him but this is not the case.

“For Arteta, does he have all the qualities to do the job? Yes.

“He was a leader and he has a good passion for the game and he knows the club well.

“He knows what is important at the club and he was captain of the club.

“So why not? But whoever they choose I will support.”

It emerged on Thursday evening that Arsenal are also planning to speak to Thierry Henry about the managerial vacancy next week. Henry is currently preparing for the World Cup as assistant to the Belgium national team. He, like Arteta, has never held a position in club management.

Patrick Vieira, the boss of New York City, is understood to be down the list of candidates Arsenal are assessing. They want a new boss in place before the World Cup starts in June 14.