Up until yesterday it looked like Mikel Arteta was certain to be named as the new Arsenal manager and there were reports of a meeting with the current Man City coach planned for yesterday, and we all thought that this meeting would only confirm the appointment.
But this morning we are being told that the Gunners heirarchy have still not made up their mind and intend to now have discussions with the biggest Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry, about the vacant post which is another indication that the selection process is far from over.
Just two days ago, Sky Sports reported that Arsenal had also spoke with the New York City manager Patrick Vieira, and although it would seem that conversation did not go well, the report also stated that Arsenal are expected to begin the interview process this week in the hope a new manager will be in place before the start of the World Cup on June 14.
Arsene Wenger has backed Arteta as a good candidate, and thinks he will have good support from the other ex-Gunners already in place at the club. “Arteta has all the qualities to do the job,” Wenger said. “He was a leader, he has a passion for the game and he knows the club well. He knows what is important at the club and he was captain. Why not?
“I left a lot of experience, people who were with me like Steve Bould and Jens Lehmann.
“That takes a weight off me, because if it doesn’t work I’d have felt responsible for it,”
Whoever comes in will also have that support, but it would appear that no-one actually knows who will be selected as yet. If this is only the beginning then it is more than possible that Arsenal are also lining up interviews with other interested parties, hopefully including top managers like Jardim and Allegri as well as former Gunners.
Perhaps everyone jumped the gun on organizing the #ArtetaOut protests!
Sam P