Arruabarrena, 40, rose to the top of the list of candidates drawn up by club after the sacking of countryman Gabriel Calderon last month. Talks moved swiftly between the parties and the deal was confirmed on Wasl’s Twitter account Monday afternoon.
The Cheetahs were impressed with the hunger shown by the ex-Argentina left-back during discussions, achievements at the Buenos Aires giants prior to his February dismissal, desire to work in the Middle East and his youth. He had led them to the 2015 Primera Division crown and 2014/15 Copa Argentina before he lost his post after a poor start to the current campaign.
In securing Arruabarrena, Wasl saw off competition from his former side AEK Athens.
The arrival of Arruabarrena marks the fourth high-profile Argentine to lead the club. This roll call was begun with the biggest name of all – Diego Maradona.
A tumultous year-long reign for the legendary forward ended in July 2012, with ex-Valencia and Internazionale boss Hector Cuper enduring a miserable four-month spell prior to his March 2014 sacking.
Former Argentina midfielder Calderon proved an immediate success upon his November 2014 hiring, although splits between himself, the players and the board saw him moved aside after an end-of-season collapse caused Wasl to limp home in a disappointing sixth place during the 2015/16 Arabian Gulf League.
— Al Wasl SC (@AlWaslSC) June 6, 2016
Wasl will now turn their attentions to their squad. The Dubai side are determined to keep 20-goal forward Fabio De Lima and fellow Brazilian Caio Canedo, unless wide interest in their services translates into huge bids.
The exits of egregious playmaker Rogerinho and Portugal veteran Hugo Viana have opened up two spots in their foreign quota. Final decisions on filling them will now be left up to the new manager.
Wasl have already agreed a deal to bring in centre midfielder Humaid Abbas on a free transfer, after three frustrating years at Al Ahli. The 28-year-old only started 21 top-flight games for the Red Knights after a switch from Al Nasr in summer 2013.
