GUNNERS CLOSE IN ON ARTETA... AND WILSHERE READY TO STAY
Wilshere set to sign new deal as Gunners line up Wenger’s successor
JACK WILSHERE will give Arsenal a boost as they prepare to announce Mikel Arteta as their new boss this week.
Wilshere, 26, has been offered a new three-year contract with a 12-month option and has indicated he is ready to sign and stay with the players also believing Arteta (left) is about to take over the reins. It will be a major lift that one of the Gunners’ biggest characters and most popular players wants to remain at the club following a period of great turbulence after manager Arsene Wenger’s departure. Arsenal have been in talks with Arteta for several days as they look to thrash out an agreement which is believed to have been settled in principle.
Manchester City have insisted they will not stand in Arteta’s way, but they have had to sort out his exit from the Etihad and compensation as he prepares to leave Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff.
Arteta has strong support from Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis who felt from day one that the Spaniard, 36, fitted into the “young head coach” role perfectly.
The Gunners expect to announce Arteta’s appointment in the coming days as their ex-captain has already set out plans for his backroom staff and potential transfer targets.
Arsenal are keen on Freiburg defender Caglar Soyuncu who has confirmed the interest but wants
Arteta has strong support from Arsenal chief executive Gazidis
assurances on playing time. Arteta knows the club well from his five years at the Emirates, but the departure of several popular members of staff has caused major concern in the dressing room.
Physio Colin Lewin was a big favourite with the players, but was axed by the club’s director of high performance Darren Burgess. That move upset several players and one of Arteta’s first tasks will be to galvanise the dressing room.
Another former Gunners skipper, William Gallas, has questioned Arteta’s appointment, claiming it is a big step up into management.
He told Sky Sports: “I would be surprised. I don’t know him as a manager.
“Yes, he was assistant coach with Guardiola, but it’s different when you are in charge of 24 players. You have to manage 24 players.”