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Unai Emery not the 'bold choice' Ivan Gazidis promised Arsenal fans, says Alan Smith

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Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith says the appointment of Unai Emery is not a safe option

Unai Emery is not the "bold choice" Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis had promised would succeed Arsene Wenger, says Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith.

Arsenal will appoint former Paris Saint-Germain head coach Emery as manager this week, Sky Sports News understands.

The 46-year-old, who left his job in France earlier this month, was in London on Monday for talks with the Gunners.

But Smith does not believe the Spaniard represents the "bold and brave" choice chief executive Gazidis had promised fans just hours after Wenger has announced his decision to step down in April .

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Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis says they must be brave and bold in their search for a new manager to replace Arsene Wenger

He told Sky Sports News: "They've gone for the experienced option rather than the left-field. Obviously Mikel Arteta might not have wanted it in the end, but Ivan Gazidis spoke initially about wanting to make a bold and brave appointment.

"I wouldn't describe Emery as that. It's not a safe one. Nothing is safe in this game but if you look at his track record with Valencia and Sevilla, particularly, on a limited budget competing against the big boys in Spain, he did exceptionally well.

"He's clearly a coach of great ability. I know they didn't want a manager who would bring in a huge backroom staff and want to do things entirely they way.

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"They've got a top manager there is no doubt about that and Arsenal fans should be excited about it."

Emery led PSG to a domestic treble this season - but did not have his two-year contract extended and was replaced by Thomas Tuchel.

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