Newcastle United have reportedly opened talks to appoint former Arsenal manager Unai Emery as soon as this weekend.
According to the Athletic, the Toon have identified the Spanish coach as one of two options Newcastle are keen on succeeding Steve Bruce. Eddie Howe is also on the shortlist.
As per the report, Newcastle will need to pay €6m (£5.1m) to Villarreal in compensation if they are to poach the former Emirates Stadium figure this week.
Emery joined the La Liga side in 2020 after leaving Arsenal in 2019. And the former PSG boss has had a successful spell with Villarreal. With the manager winning last season’s UEFA Europa League.
Despite joining just over a year ago and already bringing silverware to Villarreal, Emery could well be set to make a dramatic return to the Premier League with Newcastle.
The club’s new owners are eager to bring in a manager who can build for the future, and former Arsenal manager Emery is one of two figures Newcastle are keen on hiring.
Arsenal fans react as Newcastle open Emery talks
Whilst Arsenal fans have slowly grown more respectful of Emery since his sacking in 2019, some supporters on social media are not convinced that the Spanish boss would be a good fit for Newcastle.
Here’s what some Arsenal fans had to say about Newcastle opening talks to appoint Emery on Twitter…
https://twitter.com/stuartakirk/status/1455476071902715904
https://twitter.com/GheorgheWright/status/1455473802306019328
https://twitter.com/MichaelKeshani/status/1455474151674744838
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