Emery poised to succeed Wenger at Arsenal

ARSENAL are set to appoint Unai Emery as Arsene Wenger’s successor, according to reports.

The 46-year-old left French side Paris St Germain at the end of this campaign following a two-year stint where he won one Ligue 1 title and four domestic cups, having led Sevilla to three successive Europa League trophies prior to that. The Gunners are seeking their first boss since hiring Wenger in 1996 and it is understood Emery has emerged as their choice to replace him, with an announcement expected later this week.

Former Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta, currently part of Pep Guardiola’s backroom team at Manchester City, had been heavily rumoured to be the leading candidate and Wenger said l ast week the Spaniard “has all the qualities to do the job”.

Arteta, Luis Enrique and Juventus’ Massimiliano Allegri were among those strongly linked to the role and Emery has been seen only as an outside bet with bookmakers since Wenger’s departure was first confirmed last month.

It’s understood Arsenal conducted in-depth interviews with several candidates from a l ong list of potential managers.

Their new boss will need to work alongside head of football relations Raul Sanllehi and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat, and rumours suggested Arteta was concerned with the incoming head coach’s level of control in the new structure.

However, it is believed no one pulled out of the race and the Gunners have settled on their preferred choice. Emery has worked in such models previously, enjoying great success at Sevilla with sporting director Monchi, who is now at Roma.

Ex-United kid Ryan Gauld.