Mikel Arteta has reportedly already agreed to take over as Arsenal manager with an official announcement expected imminently.
Arteta, an assistant coach at Manchester City, is highly regarded in coaching circles and it is widely believed that he will be in the running for future managements openings at top clubs.
The 37-year-old is said to have held talks with Gunners chief executive Vinai Venkatesham following the side’s three-goal loss to City on Sunday.
Now, Marca cite the Daily Mirror in reporting a three-and-a-half year deal has already been penned and he will be in the dugout for this weekend’s game against Everton, replacing interim boss Freddie Ljungberg.
“He is an incredible person, a good manager, that's why he has done well with us,” City boss Pep Guardiola said, as cited by BBC Sport.
“He is talking with Arsenal so I don't know what is going to happen.
“Now it happens with Mikel that teams want him. He knows exactly what we would like but at the end the decision is personal.
“The organisation of the club is always live, it doesn't always stay the same – what works today might not work tomorrow. The people today maybe won't be here tomorrow.
“Now he is part of our group and staff and he stays here. When we have any new news I will know, you will know and we will see what happens.”
The former central midfielder has been long-term linked to the Arsenal job – he was reportedly in the running to replace Arsene Wenger in the summer of 2018 and is now rumoured to be in-line to replace Unai Emery – who was appointed 18 months ago.
Arteta enjoyed a successful playing career in the UK with stints at Glasgow Rangers, Everton and Arsenal before moving to Guardiola’s coaching staff when he was appointed at the club in 2016.
However, the Gunners are in disarray – with just one win in their last 12 matches in all competitions and languishing in mid-table in the Premier League.
