Surprise speculation stemming from the Brazilian media over the last 24 hours points towards Arsenal eyeing a replacement for Mikel Arteta ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
The tactician tipped to take up the reins at the Emirates? Brazil boss Tite.
The info arrives courtesy of Globo, who go as far as to claim that Edu Gaspar, technical director at Arsenal, has already made contact with his fellow countryman regarding the hotseat in north London.
This comes amid ‘the intention of signing him after the World Cup’, according to a series of alleged inside sources.
Tite, for his part, is understood to be open to the prospect of trying his hand with the Gunners, amid claims of ongoing negotiations regarding an agreement beginning in the summer of 2023.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – MARCH 24: Tite of Brazil reacts during a match between Brazil and Chile as part of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifier on March 24, 2022 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Arteta proving his worth
So, what is the likelihood of Arsenal actually moving forward with a deal for Tite and, in turn, calling time on the Mikel Arteta era in the English capital?
In all seriousness, as things look at present, slim to none.
Arteta is of course currently in the thick of what many would argue is the finest stretch of his managerial career to date, when it comes to consistency at least.
Arsenal, in turn, have established themselves as the clear front-runners for the Premier League’s final Champions League berth, sitting three points clear of north London rivals Tottenham behind them, whilst in possession of a game in hand.
More than that, though, the Gunners look a team with a true identity for the first time since Arsene Wenger’s departure, built on a solid defensive foundation and fronted by a burgeoning crop of up-and-coming attacking talent.
Having backed their boss through more than one shaky spell already, it seems highly unlikely that the Arsenal brass would be ready to give up on the Arteta project at the Emirates any time soon.
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