The former Rangers boss is reportedly in the running to replace Andries Jonker as Arsenal’s academy director; could he return to Ibrox for one of the Gers’ hottest prospects?
Former Rangers boss Mark Warburton
Few Rangers fans kicked up a stink when the club parted ways with manager Mark Warburton, earlier this month. Yet, the Englishman could soon make them rue his departure, if a report in the Daily Record is anything to go by.
It is claimed that Warburton is among the contenders to replace Andries Jonker as Arsenal’s academy director, after the Dutchman was appointed Wolfsburg’s head coach.
Before moving into management himself, Warburton made his name just a stone’s throw from the Gunners’ London Colney training base, where he coached the promising youngsters of Watford.
Several of those – Rob Kiernan, Lee Hodson, Harry Forrester – followed the 54-year-old to Rangers, and it is perhaps unlikely that Warburton wouldn’t look to Ibrox when scouring the planet for Arsenal’s next wave of talent – in which case, Billy Gilmour could feature in his plans.
The 15-year-old might still be awaiting his debut for Rangers, but trained with Warburton’s senior team on several occasions – including on the day of his acrimonious departure.
A minor act it may have seemed at the time, but enough, perhaps, to put Warburton in pole position for Gilmour’s signature were he to replace Jonker at The Emirates.
According to the Daily Record, the winger is already being courted by England’s elite – Arsenal among them – and could be available for as little as £300,000 compensation.
Warburton, no doubt, would encourage them to pay it.
Dejected Rangers fans
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
