It has been reported that Arsenal are on the verge of announcing who will replace Arsene Wenger as their manager, with the club having identified their preferred candidate – a name that may surprise many.
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According to Sportsmail, it is believed the Gunners are 90% certain that their former midfielder Mikel Arteta will replace Wenger as manager.
The Spaniard's name was among the initial candidates following the confirmation that Wenger would be leaving the club after 22 years, and he is now said to be the favourite for the job.
Arteta is apparently chief executive Ivan Gazidis and director Josh Kroenke's preferred candidate, although it has also been claimed that other board members wanted a manager with more experience.
The former Everton star will have learned a lot from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, under whom he has worked as a coach for the past two seasons.
The English publication also added that Massimiliano Allegri, Luis Enrique and Joachim Low have all dropped out of the race to replace Wenger.
Another candidate was Hoffenheim's Julian Nagelsmann, but the German club recently insisted he will still be their manager next season.
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Arteta is reportedly fully aware of Arsenal's interest, and will accept the opportunity if the club offers it to him.
Do you think Arteta would be the right man to replace Wenger at the Emirates? Let us know in the comments section below.
