Mikel Arteta bids emotional farewell to City staff, to be named Arsenal manager soon

Former Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta is on verge of being named as new manr of Arsenal. Reports in UK suggest that  Spaniard gave an emotional speech to Manchester City players and staff. He has already agreed to a contract with Premier League club.

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Premier League: Mikel Arteta to swap Manchester City for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta was close to replacing Arsene Wenger as manr of Arsenal in 2018. However,  job eventually went to Unai Emery. Arteta has been with Manchester City ever since he was an assistant to Pep Guardiola. Arsenal recently sacked Unai Emery after a string of poor performances and Arteta was instantly touted as one to succeed Emery. While Arsenal looked for right man for job, Freddie Ljungberg was appointed as interim manr.

According to latest reports, Mikel Arteta has, in fact, signed a contract with Arsenal to replace Emery and it can be unveiled as soon as Friday. reports also suggest that Arteta gave an emotional speech to City players and staff on Thursday before leaving for Emirates to complete formalities. It is believed that Arsenal will pay £2 million as compensation to Manchester City. Arsenal's primary negotiators have been ir Head of Football Raul Sanllehi and managing director Vinai Venkatesham.

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A former Arsenal captain, Mikel Arteta played 149 games for Arsenal in all competitions. It is believed that Spaniard already commands respect among Arsenal players and will be given eugh time for project at Emirates. Interim manr Freddie Ljungberg is expected to take charge of Gunners for final time at Goodison Park on Saturday.

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Mikel Arteta's contract: ink is still wet

Fans welcome Mikel Arteta at Arsenal 

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