Arteta closing in on Arsenal manager’s job

Mikel Arteta is expected to be offered the Arsenal manager’s job, with Arsène Wenger endorsing his former captain. Sources at Manchester City, where the Spaniard is assistant coach, believe it is increasingly likely that he will return to his old club. It is understood that Arteta held further talks yesterday with the Arsenal hierarchy. Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, who signed a new contract yesterday, has said he would not stand in Arteta’s way should his assistant want to move. Sport, pages 1-3