Unai Emery set to be appointed new Arsenal manager replacing Arsene Wenger
Last updated on .From the section Arsenal
Arsenal are set to appoint Unai Emery as their new manager.
Manchester City assistant manager and former Gunners captain Mikel Arteta was strong favourite to succeed Arsene Wenger.
Emery emerged as the unanimous choice following a recruitment process in which all candidates were spoken to.
The 46-year-old Spaniard is available after leaving Paris St-Germain where he won one Ligue 1 title and four domestic cups in two seasons in charge.
Previously he guided Sevilla to three consecutive Europa League triumphs between 2014 and 2016.
Emery announced last month he would leave French champions PSG when his contract expired at the end of the season. He was replaced by former Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel, who had also been linked with the Arsenal job.
Emery's English is not completely fluent but the language barrier is not expected to be a problem.
An announcement and news conference are expected later this week.
After Wenger's departure was announced, the betting odds on Emery replacing him were at one stage as long as 66-1 - placing him behind the likes of former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood.
Other candidates included Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri and former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, as well as former Arsenal players Arteta, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira.
The recruitment process was led by Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis, head of football relations Raul Sanllehi and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat - though the final decision would be down to majority shareholder and owner Stan Kroenke.
Wenger, 68, left the Gunners at the end of season after 22 years in charge, during which he won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, including two Doubles.
Analysis
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright on BBC Radio 5 live
What's going on at Arsenal? Where's Unai Emery come from? I can't get it out of my head.
You'd have thought that by now they would have known exactly what's going on.
Emery has had loads of money to spend at Paris St-Germain and now has to come to Arsenal with £50m with a bunch of players who have been playing in second gear.
His coaching ability will have to get going instantly and he will have to find some gems instantly.
I wouldn't be disgruntled as an Arsenal fan about Unai Emery, I think the fact he's come out of left field when everyone's thinking 'it's going to be Arteta', that's the only problem. If we do see a difference in intensity, drive and consistency everybody will get onside and that's all Arsenal fans want to see.
Emery's managerial career | |
---|---|
Clubs | Years |
Lorca Deportiva | 2005-06 |
Almeria | 2006-08 |
Valencia | 2008-12 |
Spartak Moscow | 2012 |
Sevilla | 2013-16 |
Paris St-Germain | 2016-18 |
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But Emery at the Emirates.
Is it just me?
Fri: Arteta favourite for Arsenal job
Sat: Allegri still in frame for Arsenal
Sun: Arteta remains favourite for Arsenal job
Mon: Allegri could still go to Arsenal
Mon pm: BREAKING: Emery appointed at Arsenal
You couldn't make it up.
Has experience in two of the top leagues, did very well at Sevilla, and also quite young for a manager with such experience at a high level.
Good luck to him and the team, I think we might see a very different Arsenal to the one we've seen for the last couple of years!
Jose plays for a nil nil..even in a testimonial match. #JoseOut
Arsenal fans have what we want - an experienced manager with a great track record. Now lets get behind him!
He looks a bit like a death eater from harry potter who tried his luck in football.
All the best to him!
Ospina, Bellarin, Monreal, Ozil will speak Spanish; Mustafi, Aubemayang & Xhaka German; Koscielny and Lacazette French. Their only two 'native' speakers Wilshire & Welbeck are always injured. That leaves Cech and Mkytarian who are polyglots
Gunners are getting a great coach. Many reason for his lack of success in Paris. He failed to earn the trust of half our squad with his methods. Nonetheless, brilliant countering football, Bellerin should be a beast under his coaching. I am certain he'll be a great success at the Emirats. It might take time however so be patient.. we weren't, its a bit of a shame...
Give him 2 full seasons, then judge him. Too many FIFA console boys want instant impact, reality ain't that.
Get behind the club and team whatever the result for a season or so.
Finishing above Spurs would be a great start!
So it's business as usual in the Arsenal changing room.
Good choice Gooners.