Huge development as former PL manager linked with Gunners job, possible dream team – report
By Matt Farr
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has emerged as a shock candidate to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal at the end of the season, according to a report.
The Mirror claim that Benitez has been identified as one of four potential successors to the current Arsenal boss, should he walk away from the position in the summer.
It is also believed that if Benitez were to be appointed that Arsenal boss, he would look to bring former Gunners goalscorer Thierry Henry back to the club in a dream team move that would delight Arsenal fans.
Henry is currently assistant manager to Roberto Martinez for the Belgium national team, but could join Benitez’ coaching staff back at his beloved club.
Wenger is out of contract in June, and with the club appearing almost certain to complete a 13th consecutive season without a Premier League title, there have been calls for him to call it a day.
However, while a new two-year deal is believed to have been prepared for the Frenchman, the club have lined up Benitez as one of their contingency plans.
The Spaniard looks set to lead Newcastle back into the Premier League at the first attempt, following their relegation from the top-flight last term.
The 56-year-old has built a strong relationship with the Magpies fans, and has been a big hit since arriving at St. James’ Park back in March.
However, The Mail reported that Benitez’ long-term future at Newcastle was in doubt after becoming frustrated at the board’s lack of backing in the transfer market last month.
The ongoing frustrations, coupled with Wenger’s pending departure, could pave the way for Benitez to make a shock switch to the Emirates.
Benitez has vast managerial experience with some of Europe’s elite clubs, having managed the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Napoli during his illustrious career.
But having managed two of their Premier League rivals in Chelsea and Liverpool, the potential switch could well come as a shock to Arsenal fans.
Football Insider verdict
A host of high-profile names have already been linked with the managerial post at the Emirates, even though it is not yet clear whether Wenger will be leaving or not. However, Benitez stands out from the rest as the one with the most Premier League experience. While the likes of Allegri, Jardim and Tuchel have all got impressive CVs and made names for themselves abroad, Benitez is a proven Premier League manager. Perhaps the one issue, however, is that he has yet to win a Premier League title; which is something the club cannot afford to overlook in their pursuit of Wenger’s long-term successor. He led Chelsea to Europa League glory in 2012-13, while his Liverpool side won the Champions League in 2004-05. In fact, his only two league titles came during his time at Valencia in 2001-02 and 2003-04, which proves he is maybe very similar to Wenger in his pursuit of domestic titles; which fans may not like.
In other Arsenal transfer news, Eddie Howe would love to keep Jack Wilshere at Bournemouth on a permanent basis.
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