Arsenal have confirmed they’re appointing Mikel Arteta as their new long-term head coach, replacing interim boss Freddie Ljungberg.

Mikel Arteta via @Arsenal
Mikel Arteta via @Arsenal

Arsenal announced today that Mikel Arteta will rejoin his former club as head coach, after a little over three years as an assistant coach at Manchester City.

Arteta spent some time coaching the Arsenal academy boys in the past. During his final playing days, the Spaniard did his coaching badges along with some coaching before his retirement and switch to Manchester.

Now, he’ll take over in the main job in North London. Reports suggest he’s getting a three-and-a-half-year deal worth close to £5m-a-season at Arsenal.

Spanish goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana Pavon is expected to join Arteta’s team from Brentford.

Premier League transfer window system likely to change again

Arteta replaces Freddie Ljungberg, who was working as an interim head coach after Unai Emery’s sacking. Emery left the club on November 29th, and Arsenal initially suggested they were willing to take their time over his replacement.

Results didn’t especially improve under Ljungberg though, forcing the club’s hand a bit. Good luck to Arteta in his first job as a head coach!

Read why Dan Critchlow of the Daily Cannon team thinks Mikel Arteta is an exciting appointment.