Journalist Gabriele Marcotti has given his views on reports suggesting that Antonio Conte could be about to take over from Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
According to reports from Spain (via TEAMtalk), the Gunners have already “closed a preliminary agreement with Antonio Conte” to take over from Arteta in the Emirates Stadium dugout, hinting that he could be set to take over as early as October.
There have been some suggestions that Spaniard Arteta is under pressure early on this season at Arsenal following their poor start to the campaign that sees them rooted to the bottom of the division after three games, whilst Conte is currently out of management following his recent spell with Inter, which saw him win the 2020/21 Serie A title.
Marcotti addressed the reports on the latest edition of ESPN FC, and claimed that there had been some talks between the two sides, although he didn’t suggest that anything was confirmed, before discussing the likelihood of Conte taking on the role:
“There’s no question in my mind – in fact, several people have suggested to me that Arsenal have been approached by intermediaries, just in case they decide to dispatch Arteta.
“Equally, from what I was told, is that Arsenal aren’t entertaining that notion for the time being and they’ve got these two games coming up I think against Norwich and Burnley. And they’ll see where they are then.
“But there’s no question that of course, that Conte wants to get back in the game, and the Premier League has a ton of appeal, especially a big London club like Arsenal.”
TIF Thoughts on Gabriele Marcotti’s comments on Antonio Conte and Mikel Arteta at Arsenal…
Would you like to see Conte at Arsenal?
Yes
No
Conte certainly has history when it comes to turning clubs around after disastrous spells. He did it with Chelsea after they were struggling for some time during Jose Mourinho’s second spell in charge, whilst his recent title win with Inter came after a number of years that the Italian side struggled to be near the top of the table.
And whilst there isn’t much to go on to suggest there could be change soon, the fact that the initial feelers have been put out from Conte’s men to Arsenal just to give them something to think about may indicate this could very well be the start of something happening further down the line.
What sort of impact, if any, this would have on Arteta when the club come back from the international break, we’ll just have to wait and see, but it might just be the kick that he needs to try and sort things out as quickly as possible. Because whilst Marcotti hints that they aren’t entertaining the idea ‘for the time being’, surely there’s a limit as to the amount of patience they will have if their form doesn’t pick up soon.
In other news: Charles Watts hints Arteta could unleash 23 y/o ace at Arsenal as part of big decision