Arsenal are considering a move for Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez if Arsene Wenger quits his post.
A report in the Daily Mirror has suggested that Arsenal will consider moving for Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez should Arsene Wenger decide to quit at the end of the season.
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Once again, the legendary Gunners boss has come in for criticism this season after it appears that their Premier League title hopes have already been dashed for yet another year, and the Mirror reports that the board are preparing for his possible departure, even though a two-year deal has been discussed.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
As well as the likes of Luis Enrique, Thomas Tuchel and Leonardo Jardim, the Mirror reports that Arsenal are weighing up pursuing Benitez, who would bring a Gunners legend back into the fold if he got the job.
According to the Mirror, Thierry Henry would become part of Benitez’s coaching staff, somewhat mirroring the current set-up where former Arsenal defender Steve Bould is a key member of Wenger’s staff.
The news will be extremely disappointing for Newcastle fans to hear given how important Benitez staying at St James’ Park was deemed to be at the start of the current Championship season.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
And despite some fearing how his lack of knowledge of England’s second tier would hurt Newcastle’s chances of returning to the top flight at the first attempt, the Magpies are well on their way to securing automatic promotion.
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But they will know that, even after the surely inevitable promotion, the job is not complete as they look to reestablish themselves at the highest level. And not having Benitez at the helm for the start of that stage of the process will surely be a major blow to their hopes of doing that.
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