Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could leave north London this summer for the Real Madrid job after almost four years in the job.
That's the incredible claim made by one outlet that says that the European champions are considering boyhood Barcelona supporter Arteta as Carlo Ancelotti's successor.
What's more, the Gunners could appoint Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian has been incredibly impressive since taking the reins at the south coast, with the Seagulls flying high in the league.
According to Tuttosport, Arsenal have the Brighton manager high up on the shortlist to replace Arteta, should the Basque boss depart the club.
Arteta currently has a deal lasting until 2025. His stewardship of Arsenal this season, however, has led to interest from the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, both of whom he represented as a player. Arteta was linked with PSG as long ago as last March.
While there's probably no doubt that Real Madrid are impressed with Arteta, it seems particularly unlikely that he would leave Arsenal this summer.
The north Londoners have put up a solid title challenge and could still win the Premier League, finding themselves six points ahead of Manchester City. With Arteta stressing that his side have not yet reached their full potential, an exit now would see him leave before his work has been completed.
Plus, there's the pull of Arsenal emotionally, for Arteta. The 41-year-old originally took a pay cut to join the team as a player, captained them and has spoken about his love for the club frequently during his career.
Arteta has a win percentage of 58.1 per cent.
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Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, sparking rumours that the Gunners could have to fight to keep their No.9. Manager Mikel Arteta has identified nine players who could leave this summer – while Rasmus Hojlund is a target up front, along with Leeds star Wilfried Gnonto.
Elsewhere, Gabri Veiga has been rumoured to be on Arsenal's radar, as has AC Milan star Brahim Diaz. Declan Rice is thought to be this summer's big target, with Oleksandr Zinchenko sharing a word with him when Ukraine played England, setting tongues wagging.
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