Gazidis wants former Arsenal man to succeed Wenger

Arsenal chief executive believes Mikel Arteta is the right man to replace Arsene Wenger as manager.

Sky Sports understands Gazidis, who on Monday briefed 200 members of the club’s staff at the Emirates, is keen on appointing the former Gunners midfielder as Wenger’s successor.

Arterta is currently a coach at newly crowned Premier League champions Manchester City.

Gazidis will ultimately recommend a new head coach to owner Stan Kroenke, but the Arsenal chief is facing in-house competition with head of football relations Raul Sanllehi eyeing Luis Enrique as the man to revive Arsenal – the two have a close understanding having worked together at Barcelona.

Wenger, who will step down from his role at the end of the season is set to depart a year before his two-year contract expires.

The team will be desperate to give the boss a happy send off by triumphing in the Europa League – they meet Atletico Madrid for the first-leg of their semi-final tie on Thursday.