Italian journalist Fabio Santini has revealed that Carlo Ancelotti’s first choice was Arsenal, but they ended up targeting Mikel Arteta instead.
Ancelotti is expected to become the new Everton manager over the course of this week, with an agreement seemingly in place after a meeting on Monday.
The vacant position is not the only one he has been linked to in England, though, with many believing he could be a perfect fit for the job at Arsenal.
They are on the hunt for a replacement for Unai Emery, and Ancelotti was named as one of the candidates for the role.
However, that has since changed, with the Gunners now seemingly set on Mikel Arteta, the man who was close to the job before Emery took the reins back in 2018.
According to Santini, though, the Spaniard was close to being beaten by Ancelotti, only for Arsenal to change their mind and leave the veteran boss disappointed.
“Carlo Ancelotti will go to Everton in the Premier League unless there are some sensational surprises,” he told 7 Gold’s Il Processo show, relayed by Arena Napoli.
“The agreement is now complete between the now ex-coach and the English club: within a few days, it could be official news. Carlo Ancelotti was also disappointed because his first choice was Arsenal.
“Arsenal, after having contacted Carlo Ancelotti and found a principle of agreement, then pulled back, preferring Arteta.
“After the exemption from Naples, Ancelotti suffered another setback, the Gunners’ decision knocked him off his feet. Carletto will go to Everton anyway.
“He will soon meet Aurelio De Laurentiis. The president has to free him before letting him go to Everton. There should be no problems also because De Laurentiis has every intention of saving some money on Carletto’s engagement.”
