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Next Arsenal manager: Only Mikel Arteta’s backroom team to be decided with Thierry Henry an option

There is likely to be a role for current midfielder Santi Cazorla, who Arteta knows well, and there may even be a place for club legend Henry

Miguel Delaney
Chief Football Writer
Saturday 19 May 2018 08:21 BST
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Arsene Wenger discusses his emotions in final game as Arsenal manager

Only the make-up of Mikel Arteta’s backroom team stands between the 36-year-old and the Arsenal manager's job.

Even beyond Arsene Wenger’s departure, it has been a close-season of deep change at London Colney, with a number of long-serving staff leaving.

That was something that was going to happen regardless of what manager came in, but it has meant that Wenger’s replacement - now fully expected by current employees to be Arteta - will have to put together a new coaching set-up.

Some sources have also stated the Emirates hierarchy are conscious of supporter doubt about appointing a man - albeit a former player - whose only coaching experience is two years as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, so want to be able to announce what can be billed as a high-quality coaching team.

The Independent reported on Tuesday that there is likely to be a role for current midfielder Santi Cazorla, who Arteta knows well, and the same sources are now stating that there may even be a place for Thierry Henry.

The Arsenal legend is currently assistant with the Belgium national team and had worked in Wenger’s staff before, but left when it was made clear that would have to be full-time. There is a view that Arsenal may be more flexible about a similar role now.

With the playing squad all on holiday at the moment, club staff have been told to come in for next week when the appointment could become official.

Earlier Massimiliano Allegri once again indicated that he intends to stay at Juventus this summer leaving the way clear for Arteta.

Henry could be part of Arteta's backroom team 

The 50-year-old was Arsenal's top choice to replace Wenger with the club hierarchy keen for the successor to be someone who "unites" and "excites" a fractured fanbase.

Allegri was said to be interested in what Arsenal had to offer but, having steered Juve to a seventh consecutive Serie A title, appears to have made up his mind to stay in Italy.

"Next week, I'll meet with the club as we start to make the team competitive again just like every year," he said. "I am happy at Juventus and I have an excellent relationship with the club."

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