Arsenal are seemingly closing in on the appointment of former player Mikel Arteta as the club’s new first-team manager.

The 36-year-old has emerged as the front-runner in the race for the Gunners’ hot-seat, which is vacant for the first time in 22 years following the departure of Arsene Wenger at the end of the season.

Arteta is in pole position to land the Arsenal job and according to the Independent, the only thing left to arrange ahead of the appointment is the backroom staff for the Spaniard.

It’s already been a period of upheaval for Arsenal, with several members of the club’s coaching staff leaving, along with Wenger, meaning that an overhaul is ongoing.

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Club legends such as Thierry Henry and Robert Pires have already been linked with moves to become parts of Arteta’s new coaching staff at the Emirates, whilst current Arsenal star Santi Cazorla could also be offered a pathway into coaching under Arteta.

Despite having no managerial experience, it seems the Arsenal top brass have been convinced by Arteta’s credentials to take charge at the North London club.

Arteta is understood to be well thought of among those in the Gunners’ hierarchy, with his work under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City having often been praised.