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Five favourites to become Arsenal’s next permanent manager

Arsenal’s Unai Emery became the latest managerial casualty in the Premier League last week, the Spaniard sacked after an underwhelming 18 months in charge at the Emirates.

Emery’s dismissal came following a run of seven fixtures in all competitions without victory, and the Arsenal hierarchy will now be seeking the correct replacement as they bid to revive their fortunes and avoid another season of disappointment.

So for those of you interested in the latest odds and using 888 Sport’s betting calculator here are the five favourites to become Arsenal’s next permanent manager…

Brendan Rodgers – 10/1

An appointment that would likely be greeted positively amongst Arsenal fans, the Leicester manager has thrived since returning to the Premier League following a trophy-laden spell in Scottish football with Celtic.

Rodgers exciting young Foxes side are currently competing at the top end of the Premier League and look well placed to secure Champions League football, the Northern Irishman having made a huge impact since arriving at the King Power Stadium.

The 46-year-old has stated his focus is solely on Leicester as speculation continues to surround his future, though the former Liverpool boss is likely to be tempted by another crack at one of English football’s elite clubs should Arsenal be willing to pay his rumoured release clause.

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Mikel Arteta – 11/2

Arteta would represent somewhat of a risk for Arsenal, the club’s former captain having no senior experience as head coach despite his tutelage under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

The Spaniard is well regarded amongst the Arsenal board and Guardiola has long championed the 37-year-old as a future manager, having worked closely alongside Arteta in securing back-to-back titles at the Etihad.

Whether Arsenal would be willing to gamble on an inexperienced coach remains to be seen, though Arteta would surely jump at the chance for a leading opportunity and return to the Emirates.

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Max Allegri – 5/1

Comfortably the most highly qualified coach on this list, the former Juventus manager would also prove easy to attain with the Italian remaining unattached since leaving the Turn side at the end of last season.

Allegri has proven himself as a coach of the highest quality during his spell in Italy, winning the Serie A title with AC Milan before achieving the feat in five consecutive seasons following his switch to Juventus in 2014.

That period would also deliver four Coppa Italia trophies and two Champions League final appearances, though Allegri is reported to have reservations about the current quality in the Arsenal squad and transfer budget available.

If the club can persuade the 52-year-old that their project is worth investing in, Allegri could prove the ideal candidate.

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Marcelino – 7/2

The former Valencia manager has quietly moved his way into the bookmaker’s list of favourites for the Arsenal job, having been without a club since his controversial sacking at the La Liga side in September.

The Spaniard has a wealth of experience with several clubs across his homeland, taking in spells at Sevilla, Villarreal and Valencia, being named as La Liga’s Best Coach and winning the Copa Del Rey during his spell with the latter.

Unproven outside of Spain, the 54-year-old has also been linked with Everton should the Merseyside club opt to part with the under-fire Marco Silva.

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Freddie Ljungberg – 3/1

Arsenal’s interim manager has emerged as the favourite to take the job on a permanent basis, despite his lack of experience in senior management.

The Swede is a huge favourite amongst the club’s fanbase following his stellar career as a player in North London, though he will have to prove he has the managerial nous to succeed in the role during his temporary spell in charge.

Being steeped in the club’s traditions is likely to increase his appeal, as is his knowledge of the club’s best young talent following his work with the club’s academy.

Arsenal should, however, look at Manchester United’s situation and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as evidence that a new manager bounce under a fan’s favourite is no guarantee of sustained success – even if Ljungberg initially thrives in the role.

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