Majority owner Stan Kroenke and chief executive Ivan Gazidis have revealed the recruitment process that led to the appointment of Unai Emery as manager of Arsenal.
Both Kroenke and Gazidis said Emery was the stand-out candidate in their search for Arsene Wenger’s successor.
After announcing the Spaniard on a three-year deal worth a reported £5million per season, Gazidis said:
Unai has an outstanding track record of success throughout his career, has developed some of the best young talent in Europe and plays an exciting, progressive style of football that fits Arsenal perfectly.
His hard-working and passionate approach and his sense of values on and off the pitch make him the ideal person to take us forward.
We conducted a confidential, wide-ranging and rigorous search involving extensive background references, data and video analysis, and personal meetings with all the candidates we shortlisted.
All were interested in the position and we were unanimous in our choice of Unai to drive the next chapter of our history.
Emery arrives at the Emirates Stadium after two years at PSG, where he won all three domestic trophies in the 2017-18 season, but under-performed in the Champions League.
Before moving to Paris, Emery won the Europa League three times in three season with Sevilla. Kroenke said:
He’s a proven winner, We’re confident that he is the right person for the job and that he will work to deliver the triumphs our fans, staff and everyone who cares about Arsenal want. Several things stood out during his interview and the entire process; his football knowledge, energy, determination and love of the game.
His familiarity with our club and our players, the Premier League and the game in Europe were all very impressive.
He shares our vision to move forward, to build on the platform created by Arsene Wenger and help this club enjoy greater success.
