London: Former Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery is set to become Arsene Wenger’s successor after 22 years as Arsenal manager, the ‘BBC’ reported, Tuesday. Emery, 46, won Ligue 1 and four domestic Cups in two seasons at the French capital before departing earlier this month. “Emery emerged as the unanimous choice following a recruitment process in which all candidates were spoken to,” said the ‘BBC’. “All the names were taken into consideration and Emery emerged the best bet and soon proper discussions will begin with him,” it added. If Emery does succeed Wenger it will be the case of a Spaniard taking over from a Frenchman.
However, the Spaniard paid for his failure to get PSG beyond the last 16 of the Champions League in his two seasons at the Parc des Princes. PSG had previously reached four consecutive Champions League quarter-finals following the Qatari takeover of the club in 2011, but Emery oversaw a humiliating defeat to Barcelona in the last 16 a year ago, losing 1-6 at the Camp Nou after a 4-0 win in the first leg. “We lost against Real Madrid but they are showing that they are maybe still the strongest team in Europe,” said Emery when announcing his departure.
Emery previously enjoyed great success on the European stage at Sevilla, where he won three Europa League titles in three full seasons at the Sanchez Pizjuan.
Former Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta, who has formed part of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff at Premier League champions Manchester City for the past two seasons, appeared to be the front runner for the Arsenal top job in the past week.
