NAPOLI boss Carlo Ancelotti is on the shortlist to become the new Arsenal manager.
The Italian has emerged as one of the frontrunners to replace Unai Emery but his annual salary demands remain a huge stumbling block.
Carlo Ancelotti is on Arsenal’s shortlistCredit: Reuters
The Telegraph report that the Italian would want between £12million and £15m in order to consider filling the vacant position.
Emery was earning around £6m-a-year following his appointment in 2018.
Arsenal’s hierarchy are in the process of drawing up a list of potential targets after filling swinging the axe on the Spaniard.
Their humiliating 2-1 defeat at home to Eintracht Frankfurt proved to be the final straw as Arsenal extended their winless streak to seven.
Ancelotti boasts a wealth of experience managing the biggest clubs in Europe having won silverware at Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
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The 60-year-old is currently contracted to Napoli until the summer of 2021.
But even he is enduring his own struggles in Serie A with his side also on a run of seven games without a win.
His side finished second in his first season in charge but they currently sit seventh with five wins from their opening 13 matches.
Morale among the squad is thought to be at an all-time low after they were heavily fined for refusing to attend a retreat in the aftermath of the 1-1 home draw with Red Bull Salzburg.
Ancelotti was quizzed on whether he would be interested in the Arsenal job before Emery’s sacking but remained tight-lipped.
He said: “I stay with Napoli, of course.
“These are rumours! I have white hair and experience. In this moment they are all rumours.”
Freddie Ljungberg has been appointed interim head coach for the trip to Norwich on Sunday.
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo remains favourite to take the role with Mikel Arteta also in the running.
It is reported that senior figures at the club wanted Jose Mourinho before Tottenham snapped him up less than 24 hours after sacking Mauricio Pochettino.
Sky Sports claim that contact has been made with Max Allegri while the club could make a stunning approach for ex-Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino although a move remains highly unlikely.
TalkSport’s Moose says it was best to put Arsenal boss Unai Emery out of his misery
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
