Arsenal are reportedly feeling the pressure to step up their efforts to secure a permanent replacement for Unai Emery.

The Spaniard was sacked last month after a series of disappointing results, with Freddie Ljungberg put in temporary charge of the team.

The Swede had been expected to buy the club's board some time to secure the right candidate but he has opened his tenure with a 2-2 draw with Norwich City and a 2-1 home defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion, taking the Gunners to nine games without a win - their worst run in 42 years.

In addition to those results not being particularly encouraging, The Mirror reports that figures behind the scenes at the Emirates Stadium are worried that their poor performances and difficult festive schedule could see them dragged further down the table.

Appointing a permanent manager sooner will be more challenging for Arsenal following the news that Brendan Rodgers has signed a contract extension with Leicester City and that Massimiliano Allegri does not want to start a new job until next summer.

With those two seemingly out of the race for the time being, Manchester City assistant manager Mikel Arteta is now one of the leading contenders.