Arsenal legend Paul Merson begs Mikel Arteta not to take Gunners job because it is too big for him
PAUL MERSON has begged Mikel Arteta not to take the Arsenal job as he fears the job is too big for the Manchester City No2.
The Spaniard is favourite to take over at the Emirates following the sacking of Unai Emery, but Merson is concerned that Arteta isn't the right man.
Merson said: "It's all well and good saying he's worked under Pep Guardiola, but let's be honest, Guardiola would struggle managing this Arsenal team. Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp would struggle.
"The idea of Arteta replicating Guardiola's style of football at the Emirates just falls apart when you look at the players he'll be working with."
Carlo Ancelotti was linked with the job but it appears likely that he will be taking over at Everton.
Another Arsenal legend, Emmanuel Petit, had urged the club to move for Ancelotti, but the Italian is in talks to replace Marco Silva at Goodison Park.
"It's not as if Arsenal are underachieving, they're just not good enough. Sunday's defeat to Manchester City was embarrassing, cringe-worthy even."
Current caretaker boss Freddie Ljunberg has urged the Arsenal to chiefs to make a decision on who they want as their next manager as he expressed his frustration after the defeat to City.
He said: "I've said to them [the board] they need to make a decision.
"We are here to help and the staff are trying to chip in but a decision has to be made so we can have the same resources as other clubs."
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
Sunday's 3-0 defeat to City leaves Arsenal ninth, and closer to the relegation zone than the top four.
Arsenal have only won two of their last 14 matches and are their fanbase are becoming increasingly frustrated with how quickly their season has fallen apart.
They could be in for more disappointment on Saturday when they take on Everton, who have produced two promising results under caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson.