Manchester City is yet to agree with Arsenal on Mikel Arteta’s compensation. An agreement will allow the Gunners to name City’s assistant manager as their new head manager.
Arsenal is finalizing its paperwork for Arteta, City’s assistant manager. There is a high probability for the 37-year-old to replace Unai Emery.
Arteta accompanied City in their Carabao Cup quarter-final this Wednesday. This might be his last match with the club as it is expected Arsenal will be able to appoint him, later this week.
Arsenal will have to pay around £2million in compensation to bring Arteta back to the Emirates as their head coach.
However, Arsenal’s conduct is increasingly troubling City.
It is understood there has not been formal contact between the clubs despite three weeks of speculations linking Arteta with a move to North London.
Arteta has kept Guardiola informed of the situation.
Source from Manchester City said, “It’s surprising to hear that plans are being made by Arsenal to unveil our coach as their head coach on Friday on the basis that no contact has been made by the club to discuss this matter.”
“This season, Arteta has been with us. We prepare the game as best as possible, before and during.” Said Guardiola after City’s 3-1 win over Oxford United.
“I don’t have any comment. There is no news. Yesterday I had 48 questions about Mikel. When there is news, ill answer it. But there is no news.”
“I answer the questions, I don’t answer anymore.” Added Guardiola.
City is willing to let go Arteta. The club will not stand in his way. However, the club should be less than flexible when it comes to the amount of compensation and the payment schedules agreed with Arsenal.
Arsenal fueled speculation of Arteta’s appointment could be imminent on Thursday after postponing interim boss, Freddie Ljungberg’s news conference to Friday.
Ljungberg will face the media ahead of Saturday’s trip to Everton. By this time, Arsenal hopes to have former club captain, Arteta in place.