Manchester City assistant Mikel Arteta has allegedly emerged as Arsenal's priority target to replace Unai Emery.
Since the Gunners made the decision to part ways with the Spaniard last month, Freddie Ljungberg has taken over on an interim basis.
However, with the North London side having picked up just one point from Premier League fixtures against Norwich City and Brighton & Hove Albion respectively, the club's board has stepped up their efforts to bring in a long-term replacement.
According to The Express, Arsenal have now settled on Arteta as their first choice, despite the fact that the Spaniard missed out on the role just 18 months ago.
The report suggests that Arsenal now face a battle to tempt their former player into leaving his position at the Etihad Stadium midway through the campaign.
Pep Guardiola has recently insisted that Arteta will at least see out the season in the North-West.
Darren Plant
