The Argentinian Football Association (AFA) has confirmed that Alejandro Sabella will take over as head coach of the national team.
Sabella, 56, will replace Sergio Batista, who left the role following Argentina's disappointing showing at the recently completed Copa America.
AFA general secretary Jose Luis Meiszner confirmed the appointment, saying: "Sabella is the chosen one. The decision has been made."
Sabella led Estudiantes to Copa Libertadores success in 2009 and also won the Apertura with the La Plata club in 2010.
He was expected to take over as coach of United Arab Emirates team Al Jazira this summer, but changed his mind after the AFA showed interest.
The AFA may now have to pay compensation to Al Jazira, although that is likely to be done in private, with club chairman Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed not too dismayed at Sabella's decision.
"Sabella was given the opportunity to manage his country and we, as a club, must respect and understand his decision," said a spokeman. "We wish him well with Argentina.
"This is, after all, one of the best teams in international football with Lionel Messi … the best player in the world, so it's not as if Sabella turned us down for a small club. It says a lot for Al Jazira's ambition that we appointed a man who is deemed good enough to coach such a powerful football nation.
Sabella is expected to be confirmed as coach shortly, with AFA president Julio Grondona told Radio Rivadavia: "Negotiations are advanced. The Committee liked the job he has done in his coaching and assistant roles."
