Arsenal are mindful that Arsene Wenger could walk away from the club at the end of the season and have earmarked former Chelsea head coach Carlo Ancelotti as a potential successor, claims the London Evening Standard.
Wenger agreed a new two-year deal with Arsenal at the end of last season but reports have emerged in recent weeks suggesting the Frenchman may not see out that deal if the Gunners endure another disappointing campaign.
While nothing is conclusive at the moment, Arsenal want to be prepared if Wenger decides to end his 22-year-old affiliation with the Gunners in the summer and have a shortlist of potential replacements ready.
Former Arsenal midfielder Mikael Arteta, who is currently one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants at Manchester City, has already been touted with the top job at the Emirates but now Ancelotti is the latest name under consideration.
Ancelotti has been out of work since being sacked as Bayern Munich boss in September and it would be his first job in England since Chelsea dismissed him seven years ago.
Arsenal could face competition from their London rivals for Ancelotti’s signature as a return to Stamford Bridge has been tipped if Antonio Conte departs at the end of the season.
After being dumped out of the FA Cup in the third round, Arsenal’s best chance of success is lifting the League Cup when they take on Chelsea in their semi-final first leg on Wednesday evening.
The Gunners are currently 23 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City and five points adrift of the top four.
