Although nothing is confirmed, it has been widely reported that Arsenal’s hierarchy are considering their options since the cup final defeat. The papers have suggested that if Wenger fails to qualify the club for the Champions League, that could spell the end for the manager.
In preparation for the 68-year-old’s possible departure, Arsenal have drawn up a shortlist of potential replacements.
There were seven on it, now there seems to be nine…
4Mikel Arteta
Every Arsenal fan should already know Arteta from his time with the club as a player.
The Spaniard spent five years in North London, up until his retirement in 2016. After that he joined Manchester City to work as an assistant to Pep Guardiola.
Tuesday’s Telegraph says the 35-year-old is well regarded at Arsenal after his club captaincy. His existing connections with head of football relations Raul Sanllehi as well as Ivan Gazidis should help as well.
It would be a massive gamble to jump from one of the most experienced managers in the game to someone without a single day in charge of a club.
However, Arteta knows Arsenal, and he’s worked under some of the best coaches around.
Manchester City’s massive success this year should have taught him a lot.
He’s worth considering, at least.