Former forward Alan Smith has backed Arsenal's decision to appoint Mikel Arteta as the successor to Unai Emery.

After a prolonged interview process, Arteta is expected to be named as the new Gunners boss after he has fulfilled his duties as Manchester City assistant for their EFL Cup quarter-final with Oxford United on Wednesday night.

The development has divided opinion among supporters, while club legend Paul Merson has suggested that the Spaniard is the wrong person to be given the main role in the dugout.

However, Smith feels differently, telling Sky Sports News: "From the outset I thought that he would be the most exciting, the boldest choice as a innovative young coach that can put on really good sessions and that transfers to the pitch.

"Obviously, he's had a huge influence from [Pep] Guardiola up at Manchester City. He takes a lot of the sessions and Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne have both credited him with improving their game."

While Arteta has spent three-and-a-half years at the Etihad Stadium, becoming manager of Arsenal will represent his first managerial position since hanging up his boots in 2016.