Just a few days ago it seemed almost a certainty that Mikel Arteta would be joining Arsenal.

It was even claimed by the Daily Mail  that the club's stars have been told he is 90 per cent certain to be hired as boss.

But recent reports seem to be suggesting that there is a problem.

Unai Emery has emerged as a top candidate, with Guillem Balague confirming the news on Monday afternoon.

"I am hearing that Unai Emery is in London to hold talks with Arsenal," he told Sky Sports. "That has to do with the fact he is free, a top candidate and wants the job.

"We are talking about someone who has done such a great job in his career with the likes of Sevilla and only last week he was named manager of the year in France for the job that he did at PSG."

So, what is the hold up?

Sky Sports have now come up with an answer.

Arteta is understood to want assurances over the role he will play in Arsenal's transfer policy before agreeing to join the club as Arsene Wenger's successor.

And he wants guarantees that he will have a significant say in which players are sold to recoup funds for further player investments with the club's summer budget at £50m.

Sven Mislintat is currently the club's Head of recruitment, and plays a huge part in both the signing and selling of players.

It seems Arteta wants to decrease his influence and give himself a more important role.

But, if the 36-year-old does not get his wish, Sky Sports add that he will be happy to stay at Manchester City in his current role as a coach.

Well then. Luis Enrique and Max Allegri have both reportedly been put off taking the job for various reasons.

And now it seems that Arteta could be the next to reject Arsenal.

Regardless, many Arsenal fans will be happy with this news, with the majority preferring a more experienced manager to replace Wenger.

ROBERT PIRES THINKS ARTETA WOULD BE A GOOD CHOICE

Robert Pires has revealed his belief that Arteta would be a good choice to replace Wenger.

“I would agree with the appointment of Mikel Arteta,” he said. "He knows the club, he used to play for Arsenal and he knows the Arsenal philosophy.

“So yes, he has a good profile to be manager of Arsenal.

“The question is for the board: is it a short project or is it a long project?

“If you go for the short project, it is important to go for a choice of manager who has a lot of experience like - and I say like - (Carlo) Ancelotti or (Max) Allegri.

“If you want a long project, I think Arteta or even Patrick Vieira is a very good choice.”