Author – Amrit Santlani
Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Mikel Arteta, a Spaniard who is considered one of the main candidates to replace Carlo Ancelotti should the Italian decide to step down as Real Madrid coach at the end of the season. Throughout this season, Ancelotti has been linked to the position of Brazil coach, vacated by Tite after the national team failed to shine at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Fichajes.net has reported that Real Madrid are likely to approach Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta to lead the Santiago Bernabéu club from next season.
Ancelotti has insisted on several occasions that he intends to end his current contract, which expires at the end of next season, but there are reports that the coach could be sacked if Real Madrid finish the campaign without trophies.
The La Liga giants booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after beating Chelsea 4-0 in the quarter-finals, while they must also face Osasuna in the Copa del Rey final on May 6. However, the Spanish club is trailing Barcelona by 11 points in La Liga.
Arteta is spearheading Arsenal’s attack as the Premier League giants are currently top of the table, but with a narrow four-point lead over Manchester City. Real Madrid see the Spanish coach as an ideal candidate and, given his young age, he could stay at the Santiago Bernabéu for many years.
Despite his struggles in recent seasons, Arteta has managed to turn Arsenal into a Premier League title contender, alongside other heavyweights such as Man City and Liverpool. He is widely regarded as one of England’s most brilliant minds.
The coach doesn’t have a proven track record in European competitions, which could be another disadvantage, and Real Madrid would love to have a coach with some Champions League experience.