Three Italians top the betting to be named as next Arsenal Manager
Arsenal Next Manager Odds: Who will Replace Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium?
Italian Job? The 10 Leading Contenders to Replace Mikel Arteta at Arsenal
Time’s Ticking for Arteta
For all his touchline theatrics, stylish knitwear, and passionate declarations of process, Mikel Arteta is starting to feel the heat at Arsenal. As another trophyless season looms in north London, talk has inevitably turned to whether the Spaniard is still the right man to steer the ship—or whether someone else might soon be needed to take the wheel.
It’s not quite crisis mode at the Emirates, but let’s be honest, the whispers are getting louder. And if Arteta’s project starts to look more “mid-table manifesto” than “title tilt,” the Gunners’ top brass may well be tempted to make a change. Bookmakers certainly think so, and Ladbrokes—one of the UK’s most trusted names—have served up a tantalising market for the next Arsenal boss. Even better, they’re offering new customers a cracking Bet £5 Get £20 in free bets, perfect for punting on managerial mayhem.
So, who might be stepping into Arteta’s designer shoes? According to the odds, the Italian influence is strong…
10. Carlo Ancelotti – 14/1
The seasoned maestro of European football, Carlo Ancelotti, finds himself on the periphery of the Arsenal conversation. Having reportedly worn out his welcome (again) at Real Madrid, he’s a free agent waiting for the right call.
Tactically shrewd, endlessly calm, and with eyebrows that could command their own dressing room, Ancelotti ticks a lot of boxes. But there’s one small problem: he used to manage Chelsea. And if there’s one thing Arsenal fans love less than a trophy drought, it’s Chelsea heritage. Appointing Ancelotti would feel, dare we say it… a little Spursy.
=5. Xavi – 12/1
Fresh out of Barcelona with a slightly singed reputation, Xavi is reportedly eyeing up a new adventure. The idea of him taking over at Arsenal fits neatly into the romantic narrative of ex-midfield maestros thriving in the dugout. Unfortunately, the reality might be more “calamity” than “Cruyffian.”
His final days at Barça were less tiki-taka and more tetchy-temper, and no one’s exactly scrambling to snap him up. High potential for disaster, which makes him a fascinating but probably ill-advised option. Still, with Ladbrokes’ and many other leading bookies’ free bets up for grabs, it’s the kind of flutter that could pay off in meme value alone.
=5. Andoni Iraola – 12/1
There’s plenty to admire about Andoni Iraola, who’s done sterling work at Bournemouth. But Arsenal? It feels like a leap. We’re confident he’ll one day manage a top-six club—probably one in the throes of an existential crisis.
Right now, Arsenal feels too stable (just about) for Iraola to be a natural fit. We’ve already backed him to take the Tottenham job somewhere down the line and we’re not ready to change allegiances just yet.
=5. Unai Emery – 12/1
Ah, the ghost of Emery past. The man who bravely took over from Arsène Wenger and delivered… Europa League frustration. Unai Emery has rebuilt his reputation spectacularly at Aston Villa, and if not for his previous Emirates tenure, he’d be a front-runner for the job today.
But let’s be honest—this reunion would be about as comfortable as bumping into your ex at the supermarket while holding a basket of own-brand digestive biscuits. It’s not impossible, but you’d imagine neither side fancies the rematch.
=5. Marco Silva – 12/1
Marco Silva has worked miracles at Fulham with a tight budget and a better-than-expected squad. He plays attractive football, gets results, and knows his way around a dressing room.
That said, we’re struggling to picture the Emirates faithful rallying behind him as an upgrade. It’d be like swapping a Hugo Boss suit for something from the high street—perfectly fine, but probably not quite the statement of ambition the fans crave.
=5. Zinedine Zidane – 12/1
He’s been out of work for so long, we’re beginning to wonder if Zidane ever really wants to manage again—or just enjoys living rent-free in every Premier League odds list.
Twice a Champions League-winning coach, but still without a single domestic job on his CV outside Real Madrid. He’d certainly bring star power and a very shiny head to the touchline, but we remain sceptical. Let’s stop pretending this is about to happen, shall we?
4. Diego Simeone – 10/1
If Arsenal want to go full Bastardo, then Diego Simeone is the man. The ultimate shithouse manager, capable of turning any team into a snarling, street-smart beast.
We’d love to see the Arsenal faithful try to square this with the club’s historic commitment to flowing, attacking football. But in truth, Simeone could whip them into winners—and quickly. Whether it’d be worth the whiplash from Arteta’s “process” to Simeone’s “prison yard press” is another matter entirely.
3. Antonio Conte – 8/1
Here’s a name that divides opinion like no other. Antonio Conte is a proven winner—he’s lifted titles in Italy and England. But he’s also walked out of clubs more times than he’s walked dogs.
He demands full control, burns bridges like it’s an Olympic sport, and generally causes havoc wherever he goes. Which is exactly why this would be box-office stuff. The best and worst choice all rolled into one. If you fancy a bet as chaotic as Conte’s career, those bookmaker free bets might come in handy.
2. Massimiliano Allegri – 6/1
One of the most tactically astute minds in European football, Max Allegri is the safe, steady option. He’s all about structure, balance, and pragmatism. A managerial Volvo, if you will.
Sir Alex Ferguson once tipped him for great things, but that was a fair few years ago now. His recent spell at Juventus ended with handbags and boardroom fallouts, which makes us wonder whether he’d really fancy the Premier League spotlight. Still, a solid bet—particularly if United don’t get to him first.
1. Simone Inzaghi – 5/1
Currently the leading contender, Simone Inzaghi is thriving at Inter Milan and very much the flavour of the month. Known for his tactical sharpness, touchline composure, and that all-important ability to look magnificent in a blazer, Inzaghi feels like a natural fit for Arsenal.
He might well be lifting the Champions League trophy soon and doing so on a fraction of what Arteta earns. Stylish, successful, and sensible—he ticks a lot of the boxes. If the board do decide to twist, this could be the call.
And So, the Waiting Game Begins…
Whether or not Arsenal do make a change, the sheer volume of contenders tells us the chatter is only going to grow louder. From Italian masterminds to former foes, and the odd wildcard thrown in for good measure, the shortlist is stacked.
If you fancy a punt on the next man to take up residence in the Emirates dugout, Ladbrokes are offering £20 in free bets when you stake just £5—ideal for backing a dark horse or indulging your inner football hipster.
Whatever happens next, one thing’s for sure: the Arsenal hot seat remains one of the most intriguing (and volatile) jobs in the sport. And with a cast of characters like this circling, it’s only a matter of time before the next chapter unfolds.
