Manchester City are furious over how Arsenal have conducted themselves in their pursuit of head coach-to-be Mikel Arteta, though the two-time defending Premier League champions are in line for a $2.5-million payout when the Spaniard is named the new Gunners boss, according to reports out of the UK.
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The Guardian reported that as late as Wednesday evening, no contact had been made between the clubs to discuss Arteta leaving Man City to replace Unai Emery — and caretaker boss Freddie Ljungberg — at the Emirates Stadium.
Now, on Thursday, Sky Sports is reporting that Arsenal will pay City around $2.5 million to release Arteta from his current contract.
Arsenal will have to pay around £2million in compensation to Manchester City for Mikel Arteta
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 19, 2019
City were quite keen to retain Arteta — perhaps as the long-term successor to Pep Guardiola, perhaps not — and had recently offered him a new contract through the summer of 2023.
According to widespread reports, Arteta and Arsenal are in the final stages of agreeing terms of a contract after the 37-year-old said his goodbyes to everyone at Man City’s facility on Thursday. While he won’t take charge of Saturday’s game against Everton (Watch live, 7:30 a.m. ET on NBCSN and NBCSports.com), Arteta is expected to be in attendance at Goodison Park.
