Report: Arteta to be unveiled as Arsenal manager on Friday

The Mikel Arteta era at Arsenal is on the verge of beginning despite Manchester City apparently being left in the dark over the Gunners' reported approach to hire their assistant coach.

The 37-year-old, who made 149 appearances during his five-year spell at Arsenal, is expected to be officially unveiled Friday but won't be on the touchline for Arsenal's clash at Everton the following day, according to Nick Ames of the Guardian.

Freddie Ljungberg is expected to continue his role as interim manager for Arsenal's trip to Goodison Park, where Arteta plied his trade for six years before joining the north London club in 2011.

Arteta will reportedly sign a contract that runs through 2023 on Thursday. He's expected to oversee his first official match in charge on Boxing Day when Arsenal visit Bournemouth, Ames reports.

Though the Spaniard's appointment appears imminent, City are reportedly "furious" over the manner in which Arsenal pursued Arteta, according to the Guardian's Fabrizio Romano and Ben Fisher. Arteta has been City manager Pep Guardiola's assistant since 2016.

Arsenal apparently have yet to hold formal discussions with their Premier League rival, who will demand a compensation fee of around £1 million if Arteta is named Unai Emery's replacement.

"It's surprising to hear that plans are being made by Arsenal to unveil our coach as their head coach on Friday on the basis that no contact has been made by the club to discuss this matter," a City source told Romano and Fisher.

Arteta will join an Arsenal side that sits 10th in the Premier League after winning just one of its last nine matches.