Arsenal appoint former PSG coach Emery to succeed Wenger

Unai Emery was officially confirmed on Wednesday as the “unanimous” choice to succeed Arsene Wenger as manager of Arsenal football club.

The 46-year-old Spaniard joins from French giants Paris Saint Germain, with whom he won this season’s Ligue 1 title and five other trophies over two years. He previously managed Sevilla where he oversaw three successive Europa League triumphs.

Ivan Gazidis, chief executive of Arsenal, said: “Unai has an outstanding track record of success throughout his career, has developed some of the best young talent in Europe and plays an exciting, progressive style of football that fits Arsenal perfectly. His hard working and passionate approach and his sense of values on and off the pitch make him the ideal person to take us forward.”

Shares in parent company Arsenal Holdings, which are listed on the NEX exchange, remained unmoved on Wednesday, as they are tightly held by US majority owner Stan Kroenke, with 67%-and Uzbek oligarch Alisher Usmanov with just over 30%. There were three shares traded last week, at a price of £3,700, giving the club a total market value of £2.15bn.

The appointment of Emery, who is “not completely fluent” in English, comes as something of a surprise as former Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta had emerged as a strong favourite to land the job.

Indeed, at one point bookmaker's odds had Emery as a 66/1 long shot, behind even Tottenham legend Tim Sherwood, to be chosen for the role.

“I am thrilled to be joining one of the great clubs in the game," Emergy said. "Arsenal is known and loved throughout the world for its style of play, its commitment to young players, the fantastic stadium, the way the club is run. I'm excited about what we can do together and I look forward to giving everyone who loves Arsenal some special moments and memories.”

With a reputation as a disciplinarian and tactical obsessive who strives for aggressive and fast-paced play, the manager had a win percentage as PSG coach of 76.3%.