Almost two full days have gone by since Arsenal’s embarrassing League Cup final defeat to Man City but calls for Arsene Wenger’s exit are stronger than ever. According to the Telegraph, the club is now considering seven names as the Frenchman’s potential replacement amid this turmoil.
It should be noted that a decision will not be made during the season, meaning his departure – if it even happens – would only occur once the current campaign ends. A lot rides on how the north London side fares for the remainder of this term, meaning winning the Europa League and thus earning a Champions League spot will guarantee Le Prof staying.
Wenger, who signed a two-year deal last summer, continues to enjoy the backing of majority owner Stan Kroenke. Nonetheless, the board is concerned and is thus preparing for life without the 68-year-old.
One name heavily being linked with the Gunners is Leonardo Jardim, the Monaco boss who won Ligue 1 last season and led his young squad to the Champions League semi-final. However, he is under contract until 2020, with his employers likely to fight to keep him.
Former players Mikel Arteta and Thierry Henry are being assessed. Both are assistant managers – the Spaniard works with Guardiola at City and the Frenchman with Martinez at the Belgium national team – and know the club very well but are gambles due to their inexperience at top-level coaching.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is believed to be an ideal match for the club due to his experience and methods. However, he might be a hard pill to swallow for the fans due to his shortcomings at Liverpool prior to his sacking.
World Cup winner Joachim Low and Shakhtar Donetsk’s Paulo Fonseca are also being considered. Carlo Ancelotti is another potential replacement due to his Premier League experience, but his age is working against him.
The future of Wenger remains up in the air, but one thing all Arsenal fans want to see is a return to form in Thursday’s clash with the Citizens. A lifeless performance similar to their 3-0 Wembley defeat will not be accepted.
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