Arsenal 'identify potential Mikel Arteta replacement' amid Real Madrid rumours

Arsenal have identified their Mikel Arteta replacement amid rumours Real Madrid are interested in recruiting the Spaniard, it has been claimed.

The Gunners dispatched Leeds 4-1 at the weekend to reclaim an eight-point lead at the Premier League summit, albeit having played a game more than nearest challengers Manchester City.

In his four years at the club, Arteta has transformed Arsenal from top four hopefuls to genuine title contenders.

Indeed, the north Londoners are just nine games from winning their first Premier League title since 2004, when Wenger led Arsenal to an unprecedented unbeaten season.

Of course, while there is no suggestion Arsenal want to part ways with Arteta, the club are allegedly making plans should the 41-year-old decide to leave the Gunners.

Arsenal identify Arteta replacement

According to Tuttosport (via Football 365) Arsenal have “identified” Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi as a “potential candidate” to succeed Arteta.

The publication alleged that De Zerbi’s agent, Edoardo Crnjar, had “received signals” from Arsenal regarding an approach for the Brighton boss.

The Italian outlet added that should Arteta win the Premier League with Arsenal and subsequently “feel his cycle at the club has come to an end”, De Zerbi will be in “pole position” to replace him.

While Arteta seems unlikely to leave Arsenal imminently, he is only under contract until 2025 and has been linked with the Real Madrid job.

Indeed, Spanish outlet Remontada Blanca claimed last month that Los Blancos were on the lookout for a Carlo Ancelotti replacement with Arteta having been earmarked for the role.

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According to Fabrizio Romano should any club want to recruit De Zerbi from Brighton they will have to pay more than £8.7million.

The transfer guru tweeted: “The fixed amount to appoint Roberto De Zerbi is worth more than €10m (£8.77million) and it will NOT be valid during the season, only in the summer — as De Zerbi didn’t want any distraction during the season.

“De Zerbi is fully focused on Brighton.”