Arsenal have unveiled Mikel Arteta as their new manager.The Spaniard, who played for the Gunners between 2011 and 2016, has left his post as assistant manager at Manchester City to inherit his first role as number one.The Arsenal hierarchy had considered Arteta for the job in 2018, but the 37-year-old eventually fell behind Unai Emery - who was sacked from the role in November - in their pecking order.However, his appointment seemed clear cut after photographs emerged of key Arsenal chiefs leaving his property shortly after City's 3-0 win at the Etihad Stadium.The selection comes in spite of reports that more experienced coaches such as Carlo Ancelotti and Massimiliano Allegri were under consideration as well as club legend Patrick Vieira.

Nevertheless, Arsenal fans will be buoyed that the club has selected a younger, visionary manager who has spent three and a half years under one of the best coaches in history.

Josh Kroenke, speaking on behalf of the Arsenal board and our owners Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing Mikel back to Arsenal. He knows our expectations and those of our fans around the world are high and we are confident he can play a lead role in taking the club back to the levels we all demand.

“I also want to thank Freddie Ljungberg for skilfully guiding us through the last three weeks. He stepped up at short notice and has helped us through this difficult period with great professionalism.”

GIVEMESPORT's Kobe Tong says:

If Arsenal are committing to a long-term strategy, then Arteta is the perfect appointment.

The main concern will surround Arteta's lack of experience, but to say so is naive.

Arsenal is familiar territory for Arteta and as his game-time diminished during his final few seasons at the club, he was handed a first-row seat for Arsene Wenger's world-class coaching.

And he's been given an even better masterclass on management by Pep Guardiola, who looks to have bedded him perfectly into life in the Premier League hot-seat.

Will any of that recreate the feeling of taking charge for the first time? No, but Arsenal have hired the most experienced inexperienced manager they could have hoped for.