Three realistic options to replace Unai Emery at Arsenal
With half the Premier League season almost over, Arsenal are placed sixth in the table, one spot below newcomers Sheffield United and one above former title winners Manchester United.
After their recent 2-0 away loss to second-placed Leicester City, boss Unai Emery is under immense pressure.
The three-time consecutive Europa League winner with FC Sevilla (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16) was a high-profile signing after leading French outfit Paris Saint-Germain to a league title victory in the 2017-18 season.
The Spaniard arrived at the Emirates the very next summer and qualifying to the Champions League had to be a priority since the London-based outfit last featured in the coveted competition in the 2016-17 season.
One year and four months into his Arsenal job, however, Emery is facing the heat after his side failed to register a single win in their previous four Premier League outings.
However, the Arsenal board has assured everyone that Emery is the right man for the job. That said, let us now take a look at three realistic options to replace the out-of-favour manager at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta
Not the strongest of contenders around but surely, not the weakest either. One thing is certain – the fans would love it. And at such a difficult time for the club, who better than one of their own?
Arteta and Arsenal would be a match made in heaven if at all a deal goes through.
Being a former Gunner, it would indeed be a homecoming for the Spaniard, who, at present, is working as Manchester City’s assistant manager under Pep Guardiola.
Having spent some quality time under one of the most successful managers of the decade, Arteta could make use of the opportunity to script a story of his own if the job comes calling.
If it were to happen though, it would be a gamble, considering his inexperience at the top level.
Massimiliano Allegri
The former Juventus boss has been on the fringes since leaving Juventus last summer.
Currently out of a job, the experienced Italian had a hugely successful time with the Bianconeri, leading them to five successive Serie A titles and two Champions League finals.
However, the Premier League is one of the toughest leagues in the world due to its sheer unpredictability and it remains to be seen if Allegri would prefer a move, having spent his entire career in Italy.
Jose Mourinho
With a trophy cabinet as special as the Portuguese’s, it is hard not to include the ‘Special One’ in the list of potential candidates to take over at Arsenal. His CV alone can do all the talking.
A proven winner in Europe’s top-three leagues, Mourinho is more of a result-oriented tactician rather than a visionary manager.
Bringing him to the Emirates may be a short-term solution but it could save the Gunners from more blushes.
His recent spell at Old Trafford did cast some serious doubts on his glittering career. Mourinho’s time at United was a mediocre one and it will be interesting to see if he can work wonders with a side like Arsenal.
Read more:
- Why Arsenal should sign this teenage sensation from West Brom soon
- Why Arsenal signing Deulofeu would be a waste of money
- Why it would be foolish of Arsenal to replace Emery with Gerrard
That said, the Portuguese continues to be one of the most high-profile names available in the market and moving to Arsenal would add another feather to his cap.
(Disclaimer: This article is purely an opinion of the author and does not intend to serve as a transfer rumour)