Mikel Arteta could be facing an uncertain future as Arsenal manager beyond the season as Il Messaggero report Emirates Stadium chiefs have approached Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri.
The Italian only took charge of the Serie A side last year, but could walk away this summer. Sarri has a break clause in his contract with the Biancocelesti that will allow him to leave a year early. He has also shown little interest in the extension to 2025 that Lazio have posed.
Talks between Sarri and Lazio president Claudio Lotito over a new deal have remained on-going behind the scenes since November. La Lazio Siamo Noi noted at the time Lotito put a €20m (£107k-a/w) gross offer on the table. He currently earns €5.5m-a/y (£88k-a/w) gross.
Lotito stated earlier this week after meeting Lazio sports director Igli Tare: “Of course, Sarri will stay at Lazio.” But there are signs of worry at the Rome outfit that Sarri is yet to agree to the extension offered. They hope it is only a delay, and that he will before the summer.
Sarri and Lotito will meet nearer the end of the season to discuss what has gone well and where they can improve from this term. They will also debate potential transfer targets for the off-season and his budget. And it is these talks that will likely determine Sarri’s future.
Lazio have some fears that Sarri will decide to free himself from his existing contract a year early, though. The Italian can walk away from the Stadio Olimpico before May 30, and may return to London. Arsenal have tested the ground for Sarri to leave Lazio to replace Arteta.
Arsenal have approached Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri over replacing Mikel Arteta
Sarri will likely stay in Rome if Lazio assure the former Chelsea boss that he will have funds to spend. Tare and Lotito have also already indicated deals for Emerson Palmieri, Alessio Romagnoli and Matias Vecino are possible. A goalkeeper and midfielder are also wanted.
Lazio landing those targets could see Sarri snub Arsenal and the chance to pick up Arteta’s rebuild at the Emirates. The Spaniard has the Gunners in contention for qualification for the Champions League. But losing at Crystal Palace on Monday has them on the back foot.
Arteta – who Martin Odegaard has told VG is a ‘fantastic’ coach – had Arsenal in a box seat for the top-four. But the Selhurst Park loss saw them slip behind Tottenham Hotspur. Their game in hand over Spurs is also a rescheduled away day at Sarri’s old Chelsea on April 20.
Arsenal failing to qualify for the Champions League may see pressure build on Arteta’s role in north London. Yet the Gunners stuck with the Spaniard after a winless August. So, they may once again give him time to continue the building process – especially if Sarri says no.
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