Report: Arsenal not close to hiring Wenger's successor; Arteta being considered

Arsenal may turn to a familiar face in its first search for a manager in 22 years, but the north London side is reportedly taking a methodical approach to finding Arsene Wenger's successor.

Ahead of Wenger's final game on Sunday, David Ornstein of BBC Sport reports that the club is "not close" to appointing a new manager, even though the team's reported deadline of hiring a new coach is approaching.

It's understood club officials have yet to reach an agreement on a candidate and that an announcement is not expected to be made next week.

A number of candidates have been mentioned recently, with Ornstein reporting that former Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta is being considered for the job following his year alongside Pep Guardiola as a Manchester City assistant.

Arteta is among a condensed shortlist of candidates Jeremy Wilson of The Telegraph said is comprised of NYCFC manager and former captain of the Gunners Patrick Vieira and Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri.

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AS Monaco's Leonardo Jardim is another name being discussed.

Arsenal's search will reportedly pick up steam once most of Europe's top leagues conclude later this month, allowing candidates who are still under contract with other clubs to finish their season.

Wenger will occupy the Arsenal touchline one last time when the Gunners travel north Sunday to take on Huddersfield Town at the Kirklees Stadium.