How quickly things can change
Unai Emery is expected to be announced as the new Arsenal manager later this week after the club agreed to hand over control to the former Paris Saint-Germain boss.
Emery was in London on Monday to hold talks with the Gunners and BBC’s well-connected Arsenal correspondent David Ornstein confirmed that a decision had been reached.
BREAKING: Arsenal to appoint Unai Emery as new manager. Thorough process produced 46yo Spaniard as unanimous choice. Available after leaving #PSG (1 Lg1 title, 4 cups), previously Sevilla (3 EL wins), not fluent English. Announcement + press conference likely later this week #AFC
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) May 21, 2018
Up until a few days ago, Mikel Arteta was favourite for the job but negotiations reportedly hit a snag over concerns about his backroom staff and the level of control he would have.
Focus immediately turned to Emery, who was sacked as PSG manager earlier this month and replaced by Thomas Tuchel, who had also been a target for Arsenal.
"He doesn't speak perfect English – I'm told that won't be a problem."@BBCSport_David says Unai Emery is set to be confirmed as the new #Arsenal manager by the club towards the end of the week. pic.twitter.com/07yb47IX7c
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) May 21, 2018
Emery will bring with him significantly more experience than Arteta would have as the 46-year-old has already managed at the highest level, having guided Sevilla to three consecutive Europa League triumphs before moving to PSG two years ago.
In Emery’s second season in charge, PSG claimed a domestic treble but felt it was time to appoint a new manager. It will be the first time in 22 years that Arsenal supporters will see a face other than Arsene Wenger’s in their dugout and we just can’t wait to see Arsenal Fan TV’s reaction.
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