Rio Ferdinand has dropped a worrying update regarding Mikel Arteta's future as manager of Arsenal.
Arteta has turned his side into serious title contenders this season, as the Gunners eye their first Premier League trophy in almost 20 years.
An uncharacteristic couple of weeks have witnessed them drop points against both Liverpool and West Ham in back-to-back 2-2 draws.
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However, they still have a crucial four-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City - albeit having played one game more than Pep Guardiola's men.
And while the title race will be at the forefront of supporters' minds, former Manchester United defender Ferdinand reckons there could be troubled waters ahead.
Ferdinand drops worrying Arteta update
What Arteta has achieved at the Emirates in the little time he has been there was never going to go unnoticed, and Ferdinand believes Real Madrid are eager to poach him.
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“You have got to keep Arteta, first and foremost,” Ferdinand told his podcast FIVE.
“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.”
Indeed, Spanish news outlet Marca have suggested that Ancelotti could be offered the Brazil job, paving the way for a fresh face at the Bernabeu.
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However, Arteta's Barcelona connections could prevent him from taking the role, with the 41-year-old graduating through the club’s famous La Masia academy as a child.
Meanwhile, the Spaniard is likely to want to continue what he started in north London, particularly considering Arsenal's impending return to the Champions League.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy/Rio Ferdinand's FIVE podcastTopics: Rio Ferdinand, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, Football