Arsenal ‘may be forced to appoint Ljungberg or Arteta as boss’ as club struggle to afford £8m-a-year Pochettino

ARSENAL’S search for a new boss is reportedly being hindered by a limited budget – putting off a number of leading contenders.

And that could result in them being forced to appoint Freddie Ljungberg or Mikel Arteta as Unai Emery’s successor.

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That’s according to the , who claim the Gunners are unable to pay a salary on par with their top six rivals.

Emery, who was sacked last Friday, was pocketing £4m-a-year at The Emirates and even though Arsenal are willing to offer more to a new man, it is nowhere near a figure demanded by Europe’s elite coaches.

Both Mauricio Pochettino and Max Allegri would all command double that figure.

And the combination of both wages and a compensation package to either Leicester for Brendan Rodgers or Wolves’ Nuno Espirito De Santo could make them too expensive.

Now as a result of those financial limits, Arsenal may be forced to turn to a less expensive and experienced coach.

Ljungberg was appointed caretaker manager after Emery was dismissed.

He led the side to a disappointing 2-2 draw at relegation-threatened Norwich on Sunday, but if results pick up he may be given it permanently.

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Meanwhile, Manchester City coach Arteta is among the favourites for the job.

The former Gunners midfielder was in the running when Arsene Wenger left last year, only to be pipped by Emery to the post.

Now he could be offered the role after his City boss Pep Guardiola gave him his blessing to go for a top job himself.

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