Mikel Arteta was not Arsenal’s leading candidate when the club began its search for a new manager in 2019, with Mauricio Pochettino, Carlo Ancelotti and Massimiliano Allegri among the high-profile coaches under consideration.
The club also assessed former players Patrick Vieira and Roberto Martinez, as well as Vitor Pereira and Julian Nagelsmann.
Arteta had ended his playing career and was working as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City. He had no previous experience as a manager in his own right, which initially placed him behind the other candidates.
However, Arsenal staff who knew the Spaniard from his time playing for the club persuaded sporting director Edu Gaspar to give him the opportunity.
Arteta took charge in December 2019. Almost five years later, he guided Arsenal to a long-awaited championship title.