Wright hits out at ’embarrassing’ Arsenal over Arteta U-turn

Joe Williams

Ian Wright claims Arsenal seem “really desperate” after the club decided to ditch their pursuit of Mikel Arteta in favour of appointing Unai Emery.

There has been no official confirmation, but reports – including the BBC – say that Emery has emerged as the ‘unanimous choice’ after the Gunners spoke to a number of candidates.

Former Arsenal captain Arteta had been the strong favourite to replace the outgoing Arsene Wenger but it now looks as if Emery is the man.

The ex-Sevilla boss is available after leaving Paris Saint-Germain where he lifted the Ligue 1 title this season but failed to get past the Round of 16 in the Champions League.

On the potential appointment of Emery, Wright said: “Why have they strung Arteta along? Why not be honest and say: ‘this is what we are going to go for now.’

“Is it because of the public sway? It just seems really desperate.

“Arsenal getting in touch with Vieira for the manager’s job was tokenism. It’s embarrassing.”