Former Arsenal favourite Mikel Arteta has been instilled as a frontrunner for the soon-to-be vacant managerial position at Newcastle United.
The Magpies announced that current manager Rafa Benitez would be leaving his position at St James' Park when his contract expires at the start of July. The club and manager were unable to come to an agreement over a new deal, much to the anger of Newcastle fans.
Benitez was a popular figure among supporters, leading the club to a 13th place Premier League finish last season, despite receiving a limited transfer budget from the club's controversial owner Mike Ashley.
Now, attention will turn to who could be in the St James'Park dugout come the start of the upcoming Premier League season. Many names have already been linked with the job, including former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri, but the one name that is emerging as the favourite with the bookmakers is Mikel Arteta.
The ex-Gunner is currently assistant manager at Premier League Champions Manchester City, and has earned plaudits across the game for his coaching work.
According to the latest odds from Oddschecker , Arteta is priced at 7/2 favourite to begin his managerial career at Newcastle, with Ranieri coming in as second favourite at odds of 5/1.
Arteta spent five years at the Emirates Stadium, making a total of 150 appearances in the red and white before deciding to call it a day on his playing career at the end of the 2015/16 season.
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