MX23RW : Thursday, January 30 11:08:16| >> :60:1647:1647:

Martin Keown 'understands Unai Emery appointment'

Keown 'understands Emery appointment'
Former Arsenal centre-back Martin Keown 'would have loved' to have seen an ex-Gunner take charge this summer, but accepts that it "would have been a huge leap of faith".

Former Arsenal centre-back Martin Keown has said that he 'would have loved' to have seen an ex-Gunner take charge of the club this summer, but has accepted that it "would have been a huge leap of faith".

Mikel Arteta had been linked with the post following Arsene Wenger's exit, while Patrick Vieira was also believed to be under consideration.

Former Paris Saint-Germain manager Unai Emery was ultimately appointed, however, and Keown has suggested that looking to an experienced option was the right call.

"I would love to see a former Arsenal player in charge but appointing Patrick Vieira or Mikel Arteta would have been a huge leap of faith given neither has managed in Europe," Keown told the Daily Mail.

"[Ivan] Gazidis was also impressed by Emery's analysis of every player and I am intrigued to see how he tries to cure Arsenal's defensive ills."

Arsenal finished sixth in the Premier League table last season - losing 13 of their 38 matches.

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Paris Saint-Germain manager Unai Emery speaks at a press conference on January 3, 2017
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