Rio Ferdinand has stated ‘I have heard’ that Real Madrid will look to replace Carlo Ancelotti with Arsenal’s Premier League title-pushing boss, Mikel Arteta.
The Manchester United great was discussing Arsenal’s most recent result – their 2-2 draw at West Ham United, where they dropped more points in the Premier League title race.
It was put to Ferdinand that, it just isn’t about the short-term with the Gunners, but what Mikel Arteta is building for the long-term with his young squad.
But that’s when Ferdinand dropped the worrying claim that, in the long term, their manager might not actually be in the Emirates dugout.
There has been talk that Carlo Ancelotti might take the Brazil job (Marca), if he leaves Real Madrid in the summer, and if that’s the case, then they will want to replace him with the best of the best.
Given that Arteta isn’t at that level yet, you would think they would look elsewhere, but not for Ferdinand, as he told Vibe with Five.
“You have got to keep Arteta, first and foremost,” said Ferdinand. “I heard something. I heard that Real Madrid and when they come knocking.
“I heard Ancelotti, Don Carlo, the eyebrow has said that he might be getting off and that Arteta is looking to go to Real Madrid. But that’s the rumour on the streets. The streets are talking. I hope he stays.”
ARTETA’S BARCELONA CONNECTIONS
Born in San Sebastian, the 41-year-old has connections to Barcelona since his childhood, including coming through the club’s famous La Masia academy.
He didn’t make a senior appearance for Barcelona, but the connections are still there, so if Real Madrid ever thought of approaching Arteta, it would be interesting to see his response.
In truth, it would never happen, not in the near future anyway, because Real Madrid, the 14-time European Cup winners, appoint managers with a rich history of winning trophies and Arteta is still starting that journey.
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