Mikel Arteta is now the favourite to become the next Arsenal manager, Sky Sports News understands.
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis wants Arsene Wenger’s successor to fulfill a head coach role to fit into the club’s new management structure.
Former Arsenal midfielder Arteta, who has been working as assistant coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, has no management experience.
Arsene Wenger’s side took an early lead through Alexandre Lacazette, but Ayoze Perez equalised before Ritchie bagged the second half winner.
Newcastle’s fourth successive win ended Arsenal’s unbeaten run of seven games in all competitions.
The sixth-placed Gunners are 13 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham with only five games remaining in the race to qualify for the Champions League.
The Express newspaper has reported that AC Milan are plotting a move for Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere.
