Mikel Arteta facing nightmare start as Arsenal manager with club wanting to sell Ozil and stay out of transfer market
MIKEL ARTETA will reportedly not be backed in the January transfer window if he takes over at Arsenal - and will have to sell Mesut Ozil.
The former Gunners midfielder is the leading candidate to replace Unai Emery at the Emirates after holding talks with club bosses.
But according to the Daily Star, Arteta has been warned he will not be given funds in the winter window to improve his team.
Instead Gunners chiefs have put an emphasis on selling unwanted flops on high wages, with Shkodran Mustafi joining Ozil - who has caused the club difficulties with his comments on the treatment of Muslims in China - on the transfer list.
It is claimed Arsenal bosses believe the club has enough talent in its ranks without needing to spend money in the market next month.
Arteta held talks with Gunners managing director Vinai Venkatesham and club lawyer and contract negotiator Huss Fahmy at his Manchester mansion after City smashed Arsenal 3-0.
The City No2 is said to be considering the deal offered to him by Emirates bosses, after discussions about their transfer policy.
Arteta took training alongside Pep Guardiola yesterday and is expected to be in the dug-out for tonight’s Carabao Cup clash at Oxford.
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The former Everton man is not the only one in the frame, with Arsenal icon and Nice boss Patrick Vieira also holding talks with his former side.
However, the Gunners look to have missed out on ex-Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti, who yesterday discussed taking over at Everton with Goodison bosses.
It is claimed Arsenal stars preferred Ancelotti - who was this month sacked by Napoli after a bust-up with president Aurelio Di Laurentiis - to take over at the Emirates.