Mikel Arteta spent Tuesday thrashing out Arsenal contract and held talks over future transfers
MIKEL ARTETA spent yesterday afternoon thrashing out a deal with Arsenal as he edges closer to becoming their new boss.
The Spaniard spent hours in talks with the Gunners, where he had further discussions with their hierarchy.
It is understood he laid out plans on how he sees the future of the club and what direction he wants to take them in.
The 37-year-old had permission from Manchester City, who are happy to let him achieve his dream of being a manager.
Arteta was told what has changed since he left Arsenal back in 2016, and the direction of the club.
The City assistant manager is expected to take the job before the Gunners meet Everton this weekend.
Ex-Rangers star Arteta was at training with City on Tuesday before heading off in the afternoon.
It is not known whether or not he flew down with Pep Guardiola and Co to face Oxford this morning.
But City boss Guardiola yesterday insisted Arteta would be by his side for tonight's Carabao Cup clash.
He spent Sunday night locked in showdown talks with club manager director Vinai Venkatesham until 1.20am.
The North Londoners' lawyer and contract negotiator Huss Fahmy were also present, to thrash out the terms of his multi-year deal.
Arteta is expected to sign a three-a-and-half-year contract worth around £5m-a-year to replace the axed Unai Emery.
latest football news
It is believed he will be handed limited funds in the January transfer market, but backed next summer.
The club want to offload some of their highest-paid stars, including Mesut Ozil who is on £350,000-a-week.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to feel his new boss' wrath early on after comments on social media by the striker's brother.