Arsenal identify candidate to replace Arsene Wenger this summer

Posted by

Arsenal have reportedly identified Inter coach Roberto Mancini as the man to step in as successor to Arsene Wenger.

As noted in Tuesday’s edition of Corriere dello Sport, as reported by Football Italia, the Gunners are supposedly considering parting company with their current boss if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

Wenger has come under significant pressure this season after his side crashed out of the Champions League and FA Cup last week, while they sit 11 points adrift of Premier League leaders Leicester City with eight games remaining in their campaign.

With the likes of Manchester City, West Ham United and Manchester United sitting narrowly behind them in the standings, there is still an albeit unlikely possibility that they could drop out of the top four. Provided that happens, then it is almost guaranteed that they will look to make a change on the bench.

Corriere dello Sport claims that there has been no direct contact between Arsenal officials and their Inter counterparts as of yet, but there is a consideration that Mancini could be the man to step in and fill the void at the Emirates.

After winning the Premier League title with Manchester City in 2012, Mancini has since returned to Inter for a second spell after leading them to a period of domestic dominance earlier his managerial career.

While he is also involved in a battle to qualify for the Champions League himself this season, the Nerazzurri will likely consider their own options at the end of the campaign if they fail to finish in the top three in Serie A.

Nevertheless, it would seem like an odd appointment for Arsenal, considering the differences in system, style of play and overall management skills between Wenger and Mancini.

In order to ensure that they remain competitive and protect their culture and tradition, it could be argued that Arsenal need to identify a successor that shares Wenger’s values and beliefs. A complete change, such as that seen at Old Trafford, can produce disastrous results and that could be a similar risk with appointing Mancini despite the fact that he is a highly-skilled tactician.

More Stories Arsene Wenger Roberto Mancini