Arsenal’s managerial shortlist has reportedly been whittled down to just two, amid rising uncertainty about a move for former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.
According to the Daily Mirror, as cited on the Daily Star, Pochettino would be Arsenal’s ideal first-choice to replace Unai Emery, but the club concedes that a deal is going to be difficult to complete.
This has reportedly left Arsenal chief Edu focusing his attention on potential moves for either Patrick Vieira or Mikel Arteta.
The club’s former midfielders are now believed to be the two main contenders to replace Emery.
Read Arsenal verdict
A deal for Pochettino was always going to be a tough one for Arsenal. He’s a man in demand after leaving Tottenham, who just so happen to be the club’s biggest rivals. Add to that the prospect of trying to negotiate with Daniel Levy, it was hardly going to be a walk in the park for Arsenal.
Pochettino himself has ramped up the pressure on potential suitors by declaring himself ready for an immediate return to management.
The likes of Real, Bayern and even Manchester City have been touted as a potential destination for Pochettino – meaning Arsenal might be best suited to turning their attention elsewhere if they’re looking for a swift appointment.
