Arsenal chiefs are ready to interview Manchester City assistant coach Mikel Arteta about the manager's job.
The Telegraph says Arsenal chiefs now view the Spaniard as their preferred man to take charge at the Emirates Stadium if they choose to bring in a new coach before the end of the season.
Arteta is believed to to be interested in the position, but the publication reports that he is likely to be subjected to a gruelling interview process with the club's executives.
It is claimed that different members of the Gunners' hierarchy, including head of football Raul Sanllehi and technical director Edu, could pair up to assess contenders across several discussions before owner Stan Kroenke and son Josh make the final decision.
Arteta is currently Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City , but spent five years of his playing career at Arsenal, and even retired at the club in 2016.