Ljungberg urges Arsenal board to appoint permanent manager

Freddie Ljungberg believes the uncertainty surrounding Arsenal's next managerial hire is unsettling his squad.

The former Gunners midfielder oversaw the fifth match of his interim spell on Sunday, looking on as his side succumbed to Manchester City in a 3-0 home defeat. The result left Arsenal seven points away from both fourth place and the relegation zone.

Arsenal sacked Unai Emery on Nov. 29, and The Guardian's Nick Ames believes the appointment of the Spaniard's full-time successor isn't close.

"I'm very honored to do this," Ljungberg said after the one-sided defeat, according to the Independent's Melissa Reddy. "But Per Mertesacker is academy manager and is having to do two jobs. I've told the club that it needs to be cleared up and that they need to make a decision - regardless of what that is."

Names currently linked with the post include ex-Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti, Marcelino - who was last in charge of Valencia - and former Arsenal captain and incumbent Manchester City assistant Mikel Arteta.