ARSENAL are reportedly looking to make former Everton target Vitor Pereira their next manager.
The Metro claims the Shanghai SIPG boss could be in line to take over from interim gaffer Freddie Ljunberg after rejecting an approach from the Toffees.
Former Everton target Vitor Pereira is wanted by ArsenalCredit: Getty
Everton were keen on bringing Pereira to the Premier League after they sacked Marco Silva.
Pereira has a won a host of trophies, including two Portuguese league titles at Porto, the Superleague Greece title with Olympiakos and the Chinese Super League title at his current club.
But he made it clear that he did not want a Goodison Park move by saying: “It’s always an honour and I am utterly grateful to be considered on a list by a club that I have so much respect for.
“At this point, I’m still coach of SIPG and they are close to my heart.
“In a country that is growing a lot in football, it means that at this moment I’m not in a position to make any commitments.”
However, Arsenal have now stepped forward to bring Pereira to England.
And the tactician will reportedly spend the next few days weighing up his future.
Arsenal had been set to hold talks with ex-Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti after he was sacked by Napoli.
But the Gunners ironically look set to lose out to Everton, who have made their move for the Italian after missing out on Pereira – now Arsenal’s No 1 choice.
Mikel Arteta, Patrick Vieira and Marcelino are still high on Arsenal’s list, should a move for Pereira fail.
Max Allegri, Mauricio Pochettino and Rafa Benitez are also sure to be interested in taking charge of Unai Emery’s failed project at the Emirates.
Arsenal risk missing out on Carlo Ancelotti as Everton open talks with axed Napoli boss
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
