David Ornstein has revealed that Arsenal are hoping to complete the appointment of a new manager this week, amidst the ongoing rumours relating to Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners have been in woeful form this season, with a place in the top four of the Premier League still looking very unlikely to be secured.

Arsenal’s struggles has seen the club sack Unai Emery, who had managed to guide the team to the final of the Europa League in his first season at the Emirates stadium.

The departure of the Spanish tactician has opened the door for the club to find a new top manager to take the Gunners forward in what has become an unenjoyable post-Wenger era in north London.

According to former BBC journalist David Ornstein, the Gunners are closely monitoring Mikel Arteta at Manchester City.

Indeed, Arsenal are hoping to wrap up the decision of appointing the Spaniard as new manager this week, as per Ornstein.

“Arsenal are far down the road with Mikel Arteta,” Ornstein said in a podcast for The Athletic on Tuesday evening.

“We know about the two meetings that have taken place. We know that Mikel Arteta has informed Manchester City that talks have taken place and it will be a huge shock if it was anyone other than Mikel Arteta.

“Mikel Arteta is incredibly highly thought of throughout the game. I’ve been speaking to a number of people about his qualities, his pros and cons. It’s not all glossy. There are some real tough sides to him and things that might rub people up the wrong way.

“However, he is being seen as the ideal candidate this time around. Arsenal do hope to make an appointment this week but they are urging caution, playing their cards close to their chest. Whether that is to protect confidentiality while they get things over the line with Arteta or whether there’s more to it, let’s wait and see.”

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