Arsenal are sticking with manager Mikel Arteta and will back him with funds for a summer spending spree.

The 39-year-old Spaniard is now the bookies’ favourite to become the next Premier League boss to be sacked.

But the club is determined to keep faith with Arteta despite the threat of missing out on European qualification for the first time since 1995.

Owner Stan Kroenke and technical director Edu Gaspar remain convinced that Arteta is the right man to lead the club back to the big time.

But they will not wait forever for the Premier League’s youngest boss to make an impact.

And if the team is still stuck in mid-table by the end of the year then Arteta will be replaced.