Former captain Mikel Arteta has been identified as the “preferred candidate” to take over from Arsene Wenger as the next manager of Arsenal.
The Daily Mail reports today that Arteta is the No. 1 target for Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis and director Josh Kroenke, who want to appoint a younger head coach with a “fresh approach”.
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Arteta, 36, is currently an assistant coach at Manchester City, where he has helped Pep Guardiola’s side easily win the Premier League title this season with a record 100 points. Speaking after the final-day win against Southampton, Guardiola praised Arteta for his “outstanding” contribution during City’s title-winning campaign and said he would not stand in his way if Arsenal came calling.
Guardiola told Sky Sports: “What we have done this season, Mikel his contribution was outstanding, amazing... If he stays, I will be the happiest guy in the world and if he decides to move because he has this offer, this option, I will not say you do not have to go. I want the best for my friends and he’s a friend of mine.”
Guardiola said he would be sad to lose Arteta, but would respect his decision “because it’s his career, his life, his family”. He added: “But hopefully, he can stay and finish what we started together in the upcoming years”.
Former Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes the Gunners should take a chance on Arteta, just like they did when then-unknown Wenger was appointed in 1996. Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, Wright said: “I like the feel of Mikel Arteta. You’ve got to take a chance on someone, they took a chance on Wenger.”
While it appears that Arteta is a favourite for the club’s board members and past players, the Daily Mirror says that Arsenal supporters are “split” on the Spaniard becoming the next manager.
Allegri set to stay at Juventus
Arteta’s chances of getting the Arsenal job look to have been given a huge boost with the news that Massimiliano Allegri wants to stay at Juventus.
The Italian has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea, but appears to have ruled himself out of taking over a Premier League club, the Mirror says.
Allegri said: “Will I stay at Juve? Yes. I have a contract to honour. If they don’t sack me, I’ll stay at Juventus next year too.”
Arsenal next manager betting odds
Arteta is now clear favourite for the Arsenal job according to the latest prices from Oddschecker (as of 14 May):
- Mikel Arteta: 15/8
- Massimiliano Allegri: 34/5
- Brendan Rodgers: 14/1
- Carlo Ancelotti: 14/1
- Patrick Vieira: 20/1
- Unai Emery: 20/1
- Zeljko Buvac: 22/1
- Luis Enrique: 25/1
- Eddie Howe: 25/1
- Rui Faria: 25/1