Charlie Nicholas: Mikel Arteta is the right man to become next Arsenal manager
Arsenal legend Charlie Nicholas believes that Mikel Arteta is the right man to become the Gunners' next manager.
Reports emerged on Monday stating that the Arteta was Arsenal's preferred choice for the job and talks are ongoing between the two clubs.
Later in the evening, PA reported that Manchester City will not stand in Arteta's way - despite being less than pleased with the manner of Arsenal's approach.
The former club captain is currently working as Pep Guardiola's assistant at City - and he was in the away dugout as City comfortably beat Arsenal 3-0 on Sunday.
Talk of a move intensified in the hours that followed and Nicholas has revealed that he is a fan of the potential appointment.
"I had two choices, I threw my hat in the ring for Brendan Rodgers, and Arsenal missed an opportunity to go after it, they delayed so much," he said.
"Mikel Arteta has had three-and-a-half seasons working under Pep Guardiola and he knows the fabric of Arsenal.
"They spoke to him before Unai Emery but they weren’t prepared to meet his demands. He is being offered one of the bets jobs in the world, and he stuck to his guns laid his cards on the table - I love a decision-maker.
"He is a leader, he has been Arsenal captain before, I like his authority and his passion.
"This decision would be spot-on and I would be happy to have Arteta. You give him the principles he wants, nail him down and get the gig done.
"They cannot delay this anymore, he must be given it and be given it now, this week."
Current caretaker manager Freddie Ljungberg, another former player at the club, expressed the need for clarity on the role after their most recent defeat.
"I think I've said to the club, for me it is a great, great honour to do this," he told the media.
"But Per (Mertesacker) is an academy manager and he is doing two jobs in one go and I've said I think it needs to be cleared up so everybody knows.
"That is something I've said, but it is totally up to the club. I'm very honoured and I've tried to do things as good as I can, but I think as well it would be good to make a decision regardless of what it is."
City will allow Arteta to leave
On Monday evening, PA Sport reported that Manchester City will not stand in Arteta's way should he wish to take on the manager's job at Arsenal.
The PA news agency understands, however, the Premier League champions are not impressed with the conduct of Arsenal and will demand a seven-figure sum in compensation should the Spaniard leave.
Speculation linking the City assistant coach with the vacancy at the Emirates Stadium has intensified after pictures emerged of Arsenal managing director Vinai Venkatesham outside Arteta's house in the early hours of Monday morning.
It is understood two meetings have now taken place and City are unhappy that the London club did not ask for permission to speak to Arteta.
They are especially annoyed because City played at Arsenal on Sunday and no approach was made when club officials met.
City, however, do not have an issue with 37-year-old Arteta, and will allow him to make his own decision.
PA has contacted Arsenal for comment.
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