Mikel Arteta will meet Arsenal chief Josh Kroenke tonight for his third and final interview as he closes in on the manager’s job at the Emirates.
Arteta, 37, hosted managing director Vinai Venkatesham and chief negotiator Huss Fahmy at his Manchester home last night in the second stage of interviews and is now in line to meet Kroenke.
His current employers, Manchester City, will be due compensation as Arsenal take Pep Guardiola’s No 2 from the Etihad.
But City are understood to be bemused at a lack of contact over Arteta, with no talks over his future taking place between the clubs at the Premier League champions’ 3-0 win on Sunday.
Kroenke Jr, son of Arsenal owner Stan, will now have the final call on whether Arteta is up to the job to take over as manager.
Should Arteta pass his final interview, the path will be clear for him to take charge at the club he left as a player in 2016.
Sportsmail revealed earlier on Monday that Arteta was ready to leave City immediately to return to London for his first managerial role.
The former Gunners midfielder, it is understood, has indicated privately that he is open to taking the vacant Arsenal job and has told club chiefs he is prepared to take it now.
Sportsmail understands Arsenal have now contacted their City counterparts to discuss Arteta’s release - a clear indication that the Gunners are preparing to offer Arteta the job.
King_Keynan
983
Everton => Duncan Ferguson vs Chelsea Spurs => Mourinho vs Chelsea Arsenal => Arteta vs Chelsea Why appoint managers before Chelsea game? 😂😂😂
Somalianoz
958
arsenal should go for this man he the right man to take arsenal as he motivates the players arsenal players only need active man that motivates them
DaMhztourage
512
Arteta left Arsenal as a player in 2016 , barely 3 years down the lane under Pep as assistant coach of City , now wants to return as Arsenal head coach