Mikel Arteta will have to face down a hostile locker room should he take charge of Arsenal.

The Mirror says the former Gunners captain also must overcome a furious reaction from his Manchester City bosses.

City were left fuming and will demand a seven-figure release fee after Arsenal MD Vinai Venkatesham and contracts negotiator Huss Fahmy were pictured leaving the City No.2's house in the early hours of yesterday following talks.

City were blindsided by Arsenal's approach for Arteta and angry that they were not approached, despite their game at the Emirates.

But even if he gets past that issue, Arteta could find established pros at Arsenal struggling to buy into his appointment because they were in favour of the vastly-experienced Carlo Ancelotti taking over from Unai Emery.

While Arsenal's top stars respect the club's former captain, there is a belief in the dressing room that Ancelotti's years in management at the top of the European game is what they need now.