Mikel Arteta has agreed terms to become Arsenal’s new head coach, and he is already planning his back-room staff.

Sources close to Arsenal have told me that Arteta’s deal has been agreed, and it is now only the formalities that need finalising.

The 36-year-old only departed The Emirates two years ago when he retired from playing, and then embarked on his coaching career – which to date has been served under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Guardiola and City have given their blessing to Arteta’s deparure, and that is now edging closer to being officially confirmed.

Arsenal have been considering their options ever since Arsene Wenger’s retirement was confirmed and now chief executive Ivan Gazidis, head of football relations Raul Sanllehi and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat have decided to go with Arteta.

Arteta, who knows a number of the Arsenal backroom staff already, is set to be confirmed early next week.

Some Bookmakers are still taking bets, with news that Thierry Henry still holds out a slight hope of landing the job – but Arteta’s price of 1/7 means the markets are close to being closed.