The huge doubt over Arsene Wenger’s future at Arsenal naturally presents a question of who can come next, and there have already been countless claims about who the club’s prime candidate is.
There’s no outstanding option, nothing obvious for a club the size of Arsenal who will be looking long term. Pep Guardiola would have been obvious, probably Jurgen Klopp too but there’s not really anyone of that ilk around. Carlo Ancelotti could also have been a prime manager to steady a ship and make sure Arsenal didn’t do a Manchester United.
Massimo Allegri has a good shout, and his AC Milan Serie A title, two of the same with Juventus, the last two Coppa Italias and a Champions League final make an impressive CV, but he just doesn’t seem as fitting as some previous opportunities.
Thomas Tuchel has won nothing, and whilst he excelled with Mainz, it’s hardly preparation for Arsenal. With Borussia Dortmund six points behind RB Leipzig and just a couple ahead of Hoffenheim, perhaps Tuchel needs more time with BVB before justifying some of the links.
Lots of names will be linked and Roger Schmidt has already had the honour. Schmidt was removed from his duties by 10th placed Bayer Leverkusen a few days ago, following a hammering by Tuchel’s Dortmund.
It sounds a long shot but SportBild claim in their magazine this week that Arsenal are one of the clubs to have contacted Schmidt, via middlemen, about potentially taking their reigns. Schmidt is said to look kindly on a move to England, but at this stage it seems like wishful thinking.
