Arsenal and Everton eyeing ex-Valencia boss Marcelino
If reports in the UK press are correct, the two Premier League clubs could be set for a battle to woe the former Valencia manager, who was sacked in the summer.
Arsenal continue their search for a new permanent manager following last week’s sacking of Unai Emery, who has been replaced by club legend Freddie Ljunberg on an interim basis.
The Emirates board have already sounded out Brendan Rodgers, who has been enjoying a very successful season with Leicester. However snatching up the Scottish coach from the Foxes would cost 14 million pounds, meaning he would not be the most viable option.
Carlo Ancelotti could be an option in the summer should he look for an exit from Napoli, but Arsenal cannot wait that long to solve their issues. A more viable option that has been considered is Manchester City number two Mikel Arteta, who could be brought in immediately considering Pep Guardiola would be willing to let his compatriot leave to develop his career.
But according to reports in the UK, Arsenal have their eyes on another Spanish coach who would possess more experience than Arteta, would not have a termination clause hanging over him like Rodgers, and for whom they would not have to wait until the summer as in the case of Ancelotti: ex-Valencia boss Marcelino García Toral.
Arsenal make contact with Marcelino
Arsenal’s head of football, Raúl Sanllehí, has reportedly already been in contact with the out-of-work manager, who was sacked by Valencia in September.
However, the Gunners are seemingly not the only Premier League club eyeing Marcelino, with Everton also reportedly keeping tabs on the Spaniard.
Everton are yet to sack under-fire coach Marco Silva, although all indications are that that decision may be taken shortly in light of the Toffees’ poor results.
If so, Marcelino could soon seemingly have his pick between the Emirates or Goodison Park.