Arsenal have confirmed the appointment of former Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain boss Unai Emery as their new head coach.

Emery emerged as a late candidate for the job earlier this week and was unanimously backed by the Arsenal board ahead of previous favourite Mikel Arteta.

The 46-year-old Spaniard, whose official website appeared to prematurely confirm the move on Tuesday, replaces Arsene Wenger as Arsenal boss after the Frenchman stepped down following a 22-year reign.

"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," Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis told the club's official website.

"We conducted a confidential, wide-ranging and rigorous search involving extensive background references, data and video analysis, and personal meetings with all the candidates we shortlisted. All were interested in the position and we were unanimous in our choice of Unai to drive the next chapter of our history."

Majority owner Stan Kroenke added: "We're delighted to welcome Unai to Arsenal. He's a proven winner. We're confident that he is the right person for the job and that he will work to deliver the triumphs our fans, staff and everyone who cares about Arsenal want.

"Several things stood out during his interview and the entire process; his football knowledge, energy, determination and love of the game. His familiarity with our club and our players, the Premier League and the game in Europe were all very impressive. He shares our vision to move forward, to build on the platform created by Arsene Wenger and help this club enjoy greater success."

Emery also told the club's website: "I am thrilled to be joining one of the great clubs in the game. 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 very excited to be given the responsibility to start this important new chapter in Arsenal's history.

"I have met Stan and Josh Kroenke and it's clear they have great ambitions for the club and are committed to bringing future success. I'm excited about what we can do together and I look forward to giving everyone who loves Arsenal some special moments and memories."

Emery, who becomes Arsenal's first new manager since 1996, won three successive Europa League crowns during his time with Sevilla before moving to PSG and lifting seven of the eight domestic trophies available to him, including a French treble in the season just finished.

The length of Emery's deal at the Emirates Stadium has not been disclosed by the club.