Arsenal looking for Arteta replacement

Suraj Radia

• 6 Apr 2023 12:47 BST
• 2 min read

Arsenal are reportedly preparing for life after Mikel Arteta after Real Madrid were credited with an interest for the Gunners boss to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.

Ancelotti still has a year remaining on his contract with Real and has insisted he would stay at the club for the rest of his life if they were willing, however he has been heavily linked to take over as the manager of Brazil’s national team at the end of the season.

Real are believed to be considering options to replace Ancelotti with the club set to miss out on the La Liga title to Barcelona, despite knocking out their rivals to reach the final of the Copa Del Rey and also still with a chance of retaining their Champions League crown.

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According to The Mirror, Arteta is on Real’s shortlist having taken Arsenal on the verge of their first Premier League title in nearly 20 years, prompting the Gunners to consider replacements for their manager, either for now or in the future.

The Mirror claim that Arsenal’s successor of choice could be Roberto De Zerbi after his impressive start to life as Brighton manager since replacing Graham Potter in September, with the Seagulls challenging for the Champions League places.

The Italian’s agent is rumoured to have ‘received signals’ that Arsenal would be interested in De Zerbi, although any prospective suitor would have to pay Brighton £13 million in compensation to hire their manager.

Could Arteta go to Real Madrid?

There are reportedly concerns that Arteta could consider his job at Arsenal completed if they win the Premier League, having taken over in 2019 with the club sitting in 10th place.

However, there is not expected to be any developments before the end of the season and Real have yet to finalise any decision on Ancelotti or a potential replacement.

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The likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Zinedine Zidane and Xabi Alonso are also thought to be admired, while club legend Raul could also be lined up for a step up from his role as Real Madrid ‘B’ boss.

Arteta came through the ranks at Barcelona during his playing career but failed to make an appearance for the club’s first team, although he maintains a close relationship with Pep Guardiola, having coached under the Barca legend at Manchester City.