Unai Emery seemingly emerged from nowhere as he won the race to be Arsene Wenger's successor at Arsenal.

Luis Enrique, Max Allegri and Mikel Arteta were the front-runners at various points after Wenger's departure.

And it seemed Arteta was all but nailed on to become the new manager just last week, with players even being told that there was a 90% chance of his appointment.

But reports suggested on Sunday night that Emery had become the preferred choice.

And he was officially appointed Arsenal's new manager just three days later.

AUBAMEYANG'S COMMENTS ABOUT WENGER

It is a strange, yet exciting time for Arsenal.

Wenger's name had become synonymous with Arsenal, having managed the club for 22 years.

His appointment has brought about an emotional reaction, but Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang has dropped a truth bomb about his tenure after Emery's appointment.

Speaking to RMC, per ESPN, the Gabonese international conceded that the club had 'stagnated' and that he was 'excited' over a fresh start.

"I think it's a little bit of a mixed feeling in fact," Aubameyang said, when asked how he felt about Wenger's exit. "On one hand, it's strange for all the fans that the coach has left. But it's definitely a fresh start.

"Since over the last few seasons - you have to tell the truth - the club has stagnated a little bit, I think everyone is actually a little bit excited to see what happens next season.

"It is strange that the coach has left after 22 years.

"But that's life -- we have to look forward. It's going to be a new start so we'll have so we'll have to see how it goes. Everyone will have to get it into their heads that we have to work hard to rival the best."

Wow.

There's no arguing with Aubameyang's statement, Wenger was not successful in his last few years.

The side were going backwards, having failed to qualify for Champions League football for two years in a row.

But for Aubameyang to come out and admit that, as one of Wenger's former players, is quite surprising.

AUBAMEYANG SPEAKS ABOUT EMERY

The 28-year-old also had some nice words for the newly appointed manager.

"He's a really good coach," Aubameyang said. "In Paris, it's never very easy. There's a huge amount of pressure... I know he did really good work with Sevilla and with PSG too.

And the former Dortmund player has urged Emery to play him in a central position, although he did concede he would also be happy to play on the right wing.

"I think everybody knows that I like playing through the centre. I hope that we can play with two attackers - that would be ideal. But if the new coach needs me on the wing, there's no problem."

Will Emery get Arsenal back into the top four? Have your say by leaving a comment below.