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Paul Merson believes Arsenal will struggle to convenience a big name manager take over the club because the job is no longer attractive.

The Gunners are still without a manager after sacking Unai Emery just over two weeks ago following a poor start to the season.

Freddie Ljungberg, who was replaced in temporary charge following Emery’s sacking, is still over seeing all first team affairs while the club’s hierarchy consider their options.

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According to recent media reports, Mikel Arteta is now the favourite for the job, but Merson believes the club will be hoping to see the campaign out with Ljungberg in charge.

"Arsenal are going to struggle to find a big name to replace Unai Emery because it’s just not that attractive a job any more," the former Gunners midfielder wrote in the Daily Star.

"Freddie Ljungberg has found out just how much work there is to be done at that club. Without being horrible, their game against West Ham was one of the worst I’d ever seen for 60-odd minutes.

“I think they want him to do well, steady the ship, get through the season and not panic into getting a new manager.

“But they are not a top four club. And they don’t need a ten-minute fix, they need a long-term plan.

“They won’t be getting Brendan Rodgers now. There’s talk of Carlo Ancelotti but would he be there for four or five years? Probably not.

"And why would someone like Max Allegri take it? He’s just managed Juventus.

"This league has Liverpool and Manchester City in it and Arsenal have no chance of challenging them.

“Arsenal get beat this weekend. I said last week that United would test City, and they did. But I can’t see how Arsenal do.

“Will Freddie get it full time? No chance. I’d be shocked if that happens. I think they want a big name.

"But they might have trouble finding one.”