Martin Keown 'understands Unai Emery appointment'

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.