Rio Ferdinand claims he's 'heard something' about the future of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta

Rio Ferdinand has revealed a wild rumour he's heard about the future of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

Arteta has worked wonders at Arsenal this season as his side sit at the top of the Premier League table.

He'll be looking to deliver another piece of silverware, having won the FA Cup in the 2019/20 season.

Arteta's been at the Emirates since 2019, but his future could be nearing an end. Well, that's according to Ferdinand, who has shared a big rumour on his podcast.

The former Manchester United defender claims he's 'heard something' about Real Madrid wanting Arteta to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who has been strongly linked with Brazil's managerial gig.

Mikel Arteta on the touchline during West Ham United vs. Arsenal. Image: Alamy

Speaking to Arsenal fan Joel Beya, he said: "You’ve got to keep Arteta, first and foremost."

Beya replied: "What is this about? You’ve been doing this all afternoon."

Ferdinand continued: "I heard something. I heard that Real Madrid and when they come knocking your players will be coachless.

"I heard Ancelotti, Don Carlo, the eyebrow, he might be getting off, and that Arteta is looking to go to Real Madrid.

"That’s the rumour on the streets. The streets are talking. I hope he stays."

Arteta has attracted interest from Europe's elite following his managerial heroics this campaign.

Under the Spaniard's tutelage, the Gunners have won an impressive 23 league games, amassing 74 points as they battle it out with Manchester City.

If he guides Arsenal to their first league title since 2004, then it could be his final act as manager of the club.

That's if Ferdinand's claim is anything to go by as the La Liga giants appear to be on the hunt for the 41-year-old.

Ancelotti, who's in his second spell as manager at the Bernabeu, is contracted until June 2024, with Brazil hellbent on appointing him as their boss.