Arsenal chief Raul Sanllehi defends pursuit of Mikel Arteta after Man City voice frustrations

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Arsenal’s head of football Raul Sanllehi insists the Gunners’ approach for Mikel Arteta was “extremely transparent and very respectful” - despite complaints from the Spaniard’s former club Manchester City.

Arteta became Arsenal’s head coach on Friday, signing a three-and-a-half year contract at Emirates Stadium.

The build-up to the appointment, however, was not without controversy as Manchester City complained about the manner of the Gunners’ approach.

The Premier League champions were said to be unhappy about a lack of contact from Arsenal, while they were also confused after pictures of Arteta meeting with Gunners executives surfaced on Monday - just hours after members of both clubs’ hierarchy shared the same room as Pep Guardiola’s side secured a 3-0 win at the Emirates.

But on Friday, Sanllehi said: “In terms of the pictures we didn't think it was such a great deal.

“We have been publicly explaining openly we are in a process of looking for a head coach and we have been seeing many and in houses of many and just happened this time there was a picture for whatever reason.

“I do not know if it was a neighbour or someone followings – I do not know and I do not care.

“In terms of Man City and given the tight relationship between Mikel and Pep we have been very careful, extremely transparent and very respectful.”

Arteta is taking up his first managerial job by being handed the reins at Arsenal and some supporters have raised concerns.

Sections of the fanbase would have preferred the club to go with a more experienced manager - such as Carlo Ancelotti.

Sanllehi, however, does not see the risk in hiring the 37-year-old, who comes with a glowing reputation from his time working under Guardiola.

“I don’t see the risk anywhere after knowing what his plan is,” he said.

“We spent many hours talking with him – Edu and myself first – and then he got to meet Vinai and Huss, and finally with Josh Kroenke.

“We all had a very common view, knowing him, listening to him. He made a perfect presentation about his analysis of Arsenal, and how he thought that he could readdress the situation and he convinced us completely.

“Of course there is always risk but in a general way, not because of how many years he has been a coach or not a coach.

“He responded very well in the previous press [the broadcast] about his experience. I think he is a very experienced person, actually.

“The risk is intrinsic in any decision. You never know the whole thing until you try it. But we feel very confident with what we’ve heard to make a very clear decision for him. It was very clear.”

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