New job title for Mikel Arteta as Arsenal chief salutes Spaniard
Mikel Arteta has been promoted from head coach to manager of Arsenal after the Gunners announced a shake-up of personnel.
It was announced on Thursday night the Spaniard would now be first-team manager as opposed to head coach. Meanwhile, Vinai Venkatesham will take the mantle of chief executive. He previously operated as managing director.
Appointed in December to replace Unai Emery, Arteta also took the title of head coach. The role was introduced by Arsenal after Arsene Wenger’s near-autonomous 22-year spell as manager came to an end in 2018.
“The last nine months have probably been the most challenging nine months in Arsenal’s history. We’ve been around for 134 years. Despite all of those challenges, Mikel has been driving this football club forward,” Venkatesham told Arsenal Digital.
“He has lifted the spirits and lifted the energy here at London Colney. It’s the same with Arsenal fans across the world. He is doing an absolutely phenomenal job.
“There’s another thing that’s clear is that right from the day he walked through the door. He is doing much more than being our head coach.
“So we’re going to be changing his job title going forward. He’ll move from head coach to be the first-team manager. That’s recognition of what he’s been doing from the day he walked in the door. It’s also where we see his capabilities.”
Crucial role in new Aubameyang deal
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s father has proved crucial in moving the striker to within touching distance of a new Arsenal deal, according to a report.
Aubameyang’s future has remained a topic of hot debate at The Emirates for several months. Indeed, speculation rose as he drew nearer to entering the final year of his contract.
Previous reports have claimed teams including Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona hold an interest in the striker.
However, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has insisted on several occasions his confidence that Aubameyang will stay. The Spanish boss has said the forward knows full well his role in what he hopes is a continued upward curve for Arsenal.
Now, The Athletic claims both Aubameyang and Arsenal have made significant progress in striking a new deal.
The source says Aubameyang will “imminently” sign a new deal with the Gunners to finally end the recent speculation.