MIKEL ARTETA is set to be handed the Arsenal manager's job this week – and could be on the touchline as early as Sunday's meeting with his former club Everton.
But Manchester City want £2m compensation for their assistant coach.
Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could sign a new contract upon Arteta's arrival, despite his brother Willy slamming the club for targeting the Spaniard.
Follow all the latest gossip and transfer news from the Emirates below…
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EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR has been thrown a career lifeline… by the French league's bottom side.
The former Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham striker is a free agent after quitting Turkish club Kayserispor earlier this month.
Top-flight strugglers Nimes Olympique have now approached the 35-year-old to offer him a deal.
The southern-based club lies joint bottom of Ligue 1 alongside Toulouse, with both clubs collecting just 12 points and having a goal difference of minus 17.
Nimes coach Bernard Blaquart hopes Adebayor can inspire his team's attack, which has managed just a dozen goals in 17 games.
French broadcaster RMC claims Nimes have put together a deal which allows them to end the striker's contract in the event of relegation.
They are currently five points adrift of safety in their second season back in the top league.
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WILLIAM SALIBA is back fit!
The Arsenal centre-back – on loan at St-Etienne – has been out since early November with a broken foot.
Saliba has featured in just seven games this season in all competitions.
The 18-year-old missed the start of the campaign with a hamstring injury.
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MICHAEL OWEN believes that Everton will come out on top against Arsenal on Saturday.
He told Bet Victor: “Arsenal only had one shot on target against Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday, and that was in the opening minute of the game.
“The Gunners cannot play as badly at Goodison in Saturday’s early kick-off although I think Everton will edge a game between two clubs who, at the time of writing, are both looking for a new permanent manager.
“The Blues have picked up four points in two games under caretaker Duncan Ferguson and, although they are struggling with injuries, I expect them to win back-to-back home league games.
“It will be fascinating to see if either club appoint a new manager before the weekend with Carlo Ancelotti reported to be Everton’s preferred choice and former Everton and Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta, seemingly, in pole position to take over at the Emirates.”
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DUNCAN FERGUSON will remain in charge of Everton for their clash against Arsenal on Saturday.
Carlo Ancelotti is believed to be close to become the new manager of the Toffees, but he will not be appointed in time for this weekend's match.
Following the sacking of Marco Silva, Ferguson has been in charge of two games – with Everton beating Chelsea and drawing away at Man Utd.
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ARSENAL are on the verge of finally securing a deal to make Mikel Arteta their next permanent manager.
Following Sunday's midnight meeting with Gunners chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and contract negotiator Huss Fahmy, the Spaniard has agreed a three-and-a-half year contract to return to the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta is expected to be named Unai Emery's successor ahead of Saturday's Premier League showdown against another of his former sides, Everton.
The Spaniard's arrival would come 18 months after being overlooked for the role, with his fellow Spaniard being hired instead.
The ex-Everton midfielder – who signed for the Gunners in 2011 before retiring at the Emirates in 2016 – is seen as someone who can bring an exciting style of play back to the club.
Here's how the Gunners could line up under Arteta.
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