Arsenal and Everton could be set to do battle for Paulo Fonseca.
Everton and Arsenal’s current managers both face uncertain futures this season and the two clubs could end up doing battle for the same potential replacement.
Arsene Wenger’s job at Arsenal is under increased scrutiny after their Carabao Cup Final loss, while Sam Allardyce’s appointment at Everton was only ever short term and the initial improvement of form has quickly subsided.
The problem for Everton is they want him too.
Fonseca is on the verge of leading Shakhtar into the Champions League quarter-finals, with the Ukrainians earning a 2-1 last 16 first leg win over Roma.
Everton approached Shakhtar before appointing Allardyce but it was not possible to convince club or manager to quit his current side mid-season.
The Mail reported a fortnight ago that Everton plan to try again in the summer.
Arsenal’s interest in Fonseca must make Everton act decisively in their quest to find a long-term manager for the club.
At present Fonseca is among a number of names on a shortlist at Arsenal, which also reportedly includes Joachim Low and Carlo Ancelotti.
If Everton make clear he is their number one target they may have a chance, but the further Shakhtar go in the Champions League, the more difficult it will be to lure him away, and Arsenal’s interest makes it even more complicated.
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