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'Embarrassing' Ian Wright slams Arsenal manager pursuit

Cape Town - Former Arsenal forward Ian Wright has questioned the club’s board over what he perceives as as a mixed-up policy on their appointment of a new manager.

Mikel Arteta, for so long the favourite to succeed Arsene Wenger, was suddenly overtaken at the weekend by former PSG coach Emery, and it now seems his vision has been enough to persuade Arsenal to name him as their new manager.

A report on Monday said Arsenal are expected to unveil the Spaniard as their new coach later this week.

But their strategy has left Wright bemused and speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: "It’s like they’re at the sushi shop.

"You know the stuff that’s just going past? Yeah, I’ll have that. I’ll take that. I’ll leave them ones. No, I’ll take that one now.

"What’s going on at Arsenal, where’s Unai Emery come from? I can’t get it out of my head.

"You’d have thought that by now they would have known exactly what’s going on. Unai Emery’s now the favourite, he’s going to be the manager?

"Good luck to him if he comes in and gets it. I’ll back him. The fact is you just want people upstairs to be decisive with what they’re doing. I think they’ve had the time. This is the problem I’ve got."

It is understood Arsenal conducted in-depth interviews with several candidates from a long list of potential managers.

Their new boss will need to work alongside head of football relations Raul Sanllehi and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat, and rumours suggested Arteta was concerned with the incoming head coach’s level of control in the new structure.

However, it is believed no one pulled out of the race and the Gunners have settled on their preferred choice.

Emery has worked in such models previously, enjoying great success at Sevilla with sporting director Monchi, who is now at Roma.

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