RIO FERDINAND left the Arsenal supporting co-host of his podcast terrified after sparking a rumour that Mikel Arteta could be leaving.
The Gunners’ title hopes suffered a major blow as they were held to a 2-2 draw at West Ham on Sunday.
But despite that, Gooners are firmly behind the Spaniard after the way he has transformed the club since taking charge in 2019, three years after his six-year stint as a player ended there.
Arteta guided Arsenal to the FA Cup in 2020 and his team are still top of the Premier League, four points clear of second-placed Man City, who have a game in hand and still have the leaders to play.
The future still looks extremely bright at the Emirates even if they fall just short this term.
However, during the latest episode of the Vibe With FIVE podcast, Manchester United legend Ferdinand appeared to throw a spanner in the works.
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While smiling and laughing, he said: “You’ve got to keep Arteta, first and foremost.
Co-host and Arsenal fan Joel Beya replied: “What is this about? You’ve been doing this all afternoon.”
“I heard something,” Ferdinand responded.
“I heard that Real Madrid and when they come knocking your players will be coachless.
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“I heard Ancelotti, Don Carlo, the eyebrow, he might be getting off, and that Arteta is looking to go to Real Madrid.
“That’s the rumour on the streets. The streets are talking. I hope he stays.”
There has been no suggestions elsewhere to back up Ferdinand’s cheeky rumour.
And it remains to be seen whether Arteta, who came through Barcelona’s academy, would even be interested in a move to their bitter rivals if Ancelotti does depart and the opportunity arises.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
