Arsenal set to make two big-name signings

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Jack Wilshere will give Arsenal a major boost as they prepare to announce Mikel Arteta as their new boss this week.

England midfielder Wilshere has indicated he is ready to sign the new three-year contract with a 12-month option he's been offered to stay with his boyhood club, whose players now believe ex-Gunner Arteta is about to take the reins.

It will be a big lift that one of Arsenal’s biggest characters and most popular players wants to continue, despite a period of great turbulence following the end of Arsene Wenger’s near 22-year reign.

The club have been in talks with Manchester City assistant Arteta for several days as they look to thrash out an agreement, which is now believed to be done in principle.

City have insisted they will not stand in the 36-year-old’s way, but have had to sort out his exit from the Etihad and compensation as he prepares to leave Pep Guardiola’s title-winning coaching staff.

The former Spain midfielder, who knows the club well from his five years at the Emirates, has seen off big names such as Juventus boss Max Allegri and ex-Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, while Julian Nagelsmann has decided to stay at Germany's Hoffenheim.

Arteta has strong support from chief executive Ivan Gazidis, who believed from day one that he fitted into the “young head coach” role perfectly.

The ex-Gunners captain has also set out his plans for a backroom staff and potential transfer targets for the now-open summer window.

Arsenal are keen on Bundesliga club Freiburg's 21-year-old Turkey international defender Caglar Soyuncu, who has confirmed the interest but wants assurances on playing time.

The departures of several popular members of staff has caused major concern in the dressing room.

Highly-respected physio Colin Lewin was hugely popular among the squad but got axed by the club’s director of high performance Darren Burgess — a move that has upset several players.

One of Arteta’s first tasks will be to try to galvanise the players after the biggest change at the club in more than 20 years.

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Wilshere had big offers from Everton and promoted Wolves while AC Milan and Juventus were also keen.

His decision to stay put must be seen as something of a thumbs-up for Arteta but former Arsenal captain William Gallas has questioned Arteta’s appointment, claiming it is a big step up from coaching into management.

Gallas told Sky Sports: “I’d be surprised. I don’t know him as a manager.

“Yes, he was assistant coach with Guardiola but it’s completely different when you are in charge of 24 players. You have to manage 24 players.”