Arsenal are on the verge of appointing Newcastle United summer managerial target Mikel Arteta to succeed Unai Emery.
Arteta was Newcastle’s first choice after the departure of Rafa Benitez, with negotiations extending beyond the first few days that followed the popular Spaniard’s departure.
But despite engaging with United on the vacancy , he opted to stay at Manchester City and wait it out for further vacancies.
It was an interesting quirk of Newcastle’s summer search for Benitez’s successor – they began looking at younger, up-and-coming talents like Arteta and Patrick Vieira before turning to Steve Bruce, who was very keen to move to St James’ Park.
Bruce was always in Newcastle’s thinking and was fully aware of the talks with Arteta which preceded his appointment.
Now Arsenal have made their move for Arteta, who is one of the most highly-regarded coaches in Europe and has spent time learning under Manchester City’s peerless Pep Guardiola.
The Gunners met the Citizens coach over the weekend as they look to rescue a season which has seen them slump to 9th in the Premier League. They have 22 points, which is equal to Newcastle’s haul so far.
