Carlo Ancelotti is reported to have an agreement with Arsenal to replace Arsene Wenger at the end of the season as the Gunners look to change the scenario around the Emirates.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Arsenal are ready to replace long-serving manager Arsene Wenger with Carlo Ancelotti. The report suggests Carlo Ancelotti already has an agreement with Arsenal to replace the Frenchman at the helm of the North London club at the end of the season.
Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal future has been a subject of scrutiny in recent years, after a run of poor results as well as part of the fanbase turning against their long-serving French manager. The failure to win the Premier League since 2004 and the general lack of a winning mentality could be the reasons Arsenal want to change.
Arsene Wenger took over the club in 1996 and had since steered them towards three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups in his 21 years at the helm. In his last Premier League triumph, Wenger guided Arsenal to a historic unbeaten season, a record yet to be broken or matched.
Midway through last season, speculation was on the rise as there were doubts on the long-term future of Wenger, as he approached the end of his deal. There were talks of unrest between Wenger and the Arsenal board related to decision making, especially with CEO Ivan Gazidis.
This uncertainty seemed to affect the performances of the team, as for the first time under Wenger, Arsenal finished outside of the Champions League places and ended up in 5th position in the Premier League table.
On the other hand, speculation was ripe before the end of the season, as papers linked him to move elsewhere, including as a possible replacement for Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid, if the European champions were to sack the Frenchman at the end of last season.
After winning the FA Cup for the third time in four seasons, Arsene Wenger penned a new two-year deal with Arsenal and thus killing off any chances of his departure from Arsenal shortly. There is a general belief the board, especially the Ivan Gazidis camp, being unhappy with Wenger’s influence and role at the club and are seeking a change of scenario.
Carlo Ancelotti on the other hand, with his vast experience of managing over 1000 games and winning nearly 20 trophies in a managerial career spanning for more than twenty years, is believed to have been identified as the right man to replace Arsene Wenger.
Ancelotti’s record in England too is impressive, who during his time at Chelsea won a League and FA Cup double in his first season. Ancelotti also has a superior win percentage of 61.47%, which is bettered only by Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Italian has won three Champions League titles with AC Milan and Real Madrid while winning league honours in Italy, England, France and Germany. The Italian was, however, sacked by Bayern Munich at the beginning of this season, for poor performances and lack of harmony within his squad.
The general feeling about Ancelotti is that he could bring success to whichever club he manages. Additionally, his experience at the top of European football will be crucial for maintaining a club like Arsenal, who were also linked with appointing Manchester City assistant manager, Mikel Arteta, who is considered as Wenger’s ideal replacement.
Arsenal, under Wenger, has always prioritised stability of the club over winning trophies and Ancelotti’s appointment is thought to not disturb this stability factor. Another reason for why Arsenal would want Ancelotti is to avoid a Manchester United style collapse after Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
Will Ancelotti be the right man to bring success back to the Emirates? Time will tell. Will he replace Arsene Wenger and end his 21-year old reign will be clear between now and the end of the season.
