Ivan Gazidis met with three managers in the search for Arsene Wenger’s successor before the 68-year-old even announced his Arsenal departure, according to information in a recent report.
Goal published a report earlier this month on the managers in line to replace Arsene Wenger, but the most interesting part was that Arsenal chief executive Gazidis had already met with some of them.
Whatever the Chief Executive says publicly about the hunt of Wenger’s successor starting now, clearly there’s already been some work done behind the scenes.
Let’s take a look at the three managers to hold talks with the 53-year-old, and how likely they are to end up taking over this summer.
1Carlo Ancelotti
Goal report that Ivan Gazidis met with Ancelotti earlier this season, and for many he’s the safe choice for Arsenal.
The 58-year-old has a massive amount of experience, having managed Juventus, Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
The Italian manager has also been very successful in picking up trophies. He lifted at least one with all of the above clubs, including the Champions League on three different occasions.
He also won the league with four of his last five clubs, only failing to do so with Madrid.
Since joining Chelsea in 2009, his win ratio with each club has never been less than 60%. Wenger’s current ratio with Arsenal is 57%.
The Gunners have already lost more games this season than Ancelotti lost in his entire spell with Bayern Munich. Although, in fairness, that isn’t saying much.
Ancelotti is currently on a leave of absence from management, after leaving Bayern Munich in September.
He should be available this summer.
Click ‘Next’ to see the other two managers Gazidis met with