Arteta agrees to become new Arsenal manager

Mikel Arteta has agreed in principle to replace Arsene Wenger and become the new manager at Arsenal.

The former Gunners midfielder's return to the club is set to be announced in the coming days as he prepares to replace Arsene Wenger

Arteta is highly regarded by Gunners chief executive Ivan Gazidis, who believes a younger coach will slot into a modern European football structure, complemented by head of recruitment Sven Mislintat and new
head of football relations Raul Sanllehi.

He is expected to bring his own backroom staff on board, with reports linking Santi Cazorla as a potential addition, while the
futures of Steve Bould and Jens Lehmann remain uncertain despite both receiving offers to stay at Emirates Stadium.

Fomer Barcelona boss Luis Enrique was also considered, though Sanllehi - who knows the 48-year-old from his own time at Camp Nou - warned Arsenal off him due to him having proven difficult to work with.

Arteta left Arsenal upon his retirement from playing in 2016, having made 150 appearances for the club, scoring 16 goals and laying on a further 11 assists during his four seasons at the Emirates Stadium.