Arsenal begin hunt for Unai Emery replacement with board losing patience as Allegri and Arteta are targeted

ARSENAL are lining up potential replacements with boss Unai Emery on the brink, according to reports.

The Spaniard was thrown under further pressure as the Gunners suffered a drab 2-2 draw with struggling Southampton yesterday.

Unai Emery is facing the sack at ArsenalCredit: Reuters

Only a last minute equaliser from Alexandre Lacazette spared Arsenal’s blushes as supporters continued to turn on their manager.

According to the Daily Mail, there is a divide in the club’s boardroom as to whether to axe the Spaniard now or give him more time to turn around their fortunes.

But there is a growing sense that Emery’s days in the dugout are numbered and it’s only a matter of when and not if.

It is reported that Head of football Raul Sanllehi and technical director Edu are the two who are keen to grant him more time.

But it has not prevented the club from drawing up a list of long-term successors that includes former Juventus boss Max Allegri.

The Italian has been without a club since guiding the Old Lady to his fifth successive league title.

Allegri, 52, has only ever played and managed in Italy so question marks remain over whether he could adapt to the English game.

Former midfielder Mikel Arteta, now an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, is also on the shortlist.

And amazingly Mauricio Pochettino’s name is in the mix although his relationship with Tottenham means it remains highly that he would entertain talks.

Jose Mourinho was also admired but Spurs wasted little time in snapping up his signature.

Arsenal face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League on Thursday before a crucial trip to strugglers Norwich at the weekend.

Max Allegri is on Arsenal’s shortlistCredit: MAX ROSSI

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk