EVERTON are ready to slug it out with Arsenal for Carlo Ancelotti — and the Gunners need to make their move quickly.
Italian Ancelotti was sacked by Napoli on Tuesday despite qualifying for the Champions League knockout stage.
Arsenal and Everton have been linked to ex-Chelsea boss Carlo AncelottiCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Everton have stolen a march as Ancelotti’s representative flew into London last night to meet them BEFORE discussions with Arsenal.
Sources close to Ancelotti say he has been left feeling as though Everton want him as their first choice, but that Arsenal are far less decided.
The three-time Champions League winner is understood to be ready to jump straight back in, once his severance package with Napoli is agreed, and would prefer a job in London.
But he is very much open to discussing the prospect of a role at Goodison Park.
Unai Emery was sacked two weeks ago and the Arsenal board — and recruitment committee — are split over his replacement.
Marco Silva was given the boot by Everton last week and the club confirmed that caretaker Duncan Ferguson will be in charge for the weekend trip to Manchester United.
But the Toffees are moving quicker in their search for a new boss and are willing to give Ancelotti a two-and-a-half year deal AND funds to spend in the next two windows to mould his own team.
A committee of senior Gunners staff including director of football Edu are responsible for interviewing and then recommending a boss to owner Stan Kroenke and son Josh.
Edu is thought to prefer bringing back club legend Patrick Vieira and while Ancelotti’s managerial record makes him a strong candidate, there are concerns whether he would be the right fit for the club.
There is strong backing for Manchester City No2 Mikael Arteta also with the club edging towards a younger manager ready to work in their current structure.
Everton have discussed the possibility of old boss David Moyes returning on a six-month deal, but the Scot would rather a longer contract.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
