Why Massimiliano Allegri is Ivan Gazidis top choice to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal
Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis has made Massimiliano Allegri his first-choice replacement for Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, according to reports.
Wenger will step down at the end of the season after nearly 22 years at the club and announced the decision to his shocked squad on Friday.
The 68-year-old is reportedly unhappy with the manner of his departure and is understood to be dismayed by Arsenals hierarchy issuing him with an ultimatum.
Wenger, who still has a year remaining on his contract with Arsenal, was told that he will be sacked at the end of the campaign if he refused to leave on his own terms.
Gazidis, meanwhile, held a press conference on Friday evening and claimed that no talks have been held with any potential successor for Wenger.
According to the Daily Star, Allegri is at the top of Gazidis wishlist as he was impressed with the way the Italian masterminded Juventus win over Tottenham in the Champions League last month.
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Tottenham had secured a 2-2 draw in their first leg in Turin and looked assured of a place in the quarter-finals after taking the lead at Wembley in the return fixture.
But Allegris quickfire tactical switch in the second half sealed a 2-1 victory for Juventus, and Gazidis is said to have been bowled over by the 50-year-olds performance.
The Daily Star also claims that Sven Mislintat, who is Arsenals head of recruitment, views Hoffenheim boss Julian Nagelsmann as a viable alternative.
Speaking about the qualities Arsenals board will look for in Wengers successor, Gazidis said: Someone who plays exciting and progressive football.
But I think there is also a significant thing at Arsenal in how the candidate represents the club.
We need to make sure we dont lose his qualities and his values.
More: Arsenal FC
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