Arsenal next manager: Ex-Liverpool boss in contention amid Arteta sack news
Liverpool supporters could see a former boss in the Arsenal dugout if Mikel Arteta is sacked.
The Reds beat the Gunners to the Premier League title with four matches to spare after the 5-1 win over Tottenham (27 April).
Arteta’s woes were worsened last week when his side were eliminated from the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain (7 May), meaning that he will end the season without a trophy.
The Reds supporters mocked him with a banner and chants when the sides fought to a 2-2 draw on Sunday (11 May).
Benitez could replace Arteta at Arsenal
Rafael Benitez is a beloved figure at Anfield after guiding the Reds to their fifth European Cup in 2005 in a thrilling encounter in Istanbul.
The Spaniard left his role on Merseyside by mutual consent in June 2010 after a downturn in form after coming close to winning the title several times.
He has since managed Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton in England’s top-flight and the likes of Inter Milan and Real Madrid abroad.
The 65-year-old could be about to be handed another chance in a fifth stint in the country, as pressure mounts on Arteta’s future in North London.
Certain sections of the Gunners’ fanbase have had enough of the 43-year-old and have called for him to be sacked, with bookmakers taking bets on the next manager.
Benitez is 25/1 with Bet Victor to take over at the Emirates Stadium, with the likes of Simeone Inzaghi (5/1) and Antonio Conte (8/1) amongst the favourites.
Liverpool fans would still love Benitez
Bentiez is still highly regarded on the red half of Merseyside, despite managing their arch-rivals, due to the way that he endeared himself to the city when he was their manager.
The Spanish boss donated £96,000 to the Hillsborough Family Support Group when he left the club and was a passionate supporter of the campaign for justice, even after his departure.
| Trophy | Won |
| Champions League | 2004/05 |
| FA Cup | 2005/06 |
| UEFA Super Cup | 2005 |
Benitez taking the job in North London would likely be met with congratulations from supporters, even if they are their title rivals and it would be a thrilling narrative, especially with Arne Slot set to transform the squad in L4.
It is an unlikely prospect at the moment, given that he is ranked as a stark outsider but things can change very quickly in football.