Arsenal were supposed to announce this week that former captain Mikel Arteta had been hired to replace Arsene Wenger. It was a move that was supposed to show continuity in Arsene way. Similar approach. Similar style.
But then Arteta said that £50m was not enough to make Arsenal a top four contender and that he wanted a bigger transfer kitty and control of how that kitty was spent.
Arsenal said no and instead quickly moved quickly to secure a deal to bring former Seville and PSG coach Unai Emery to the Emirates. Emery is expected to sign a three year deal worth around £5million a year.
Emery has a track record of being successful on a budget. He enjoyed success in Spain where he made Valencia competitive against Real Madrid and Barcelona.
He then transformed Sevilla, a club with restricted resources but a club he took to three successive Europa League triumphs. That pedigree impressed the powers at Arsenal.
The plan is for Emery to start making his own backroom staff appointments next week.
He will then decide about the roles to be played by Steve Bould and Jens Lehmann who survived the cull of coaches and medical staff last week.
Arteta will now resume his role as the right hand man of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and will wait for a more suitable offer to kick-start his managerial career.
What do you think Arsenal fans? Are you happy with the announcement?
Unai Emery Trophies
Sevilla
- Europa League (x3): 2014, 2015, 2016
Paris Saint-Germain
- Ligue 1: 2017-18
- French Cup (x2): 2017, 2018
- French League Cup (x2): 2017, 2018
- French Super Cup (x2): 2016, 2017
