Arsenal draw up managerial shortlist as pressure increases on Unai Emery

Arsenal have a list of managerial candidates should they decide to dismiss Unai Emery, according to reports.

The Spanish boss has come under increased pressure in his second season in charge after failing to solve his side’s defensive issues.

A section of supporters voiced their unrest following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers – a result which leaves the Gunners in fifth but six points off the top four.

Now the Mirror report that the North London club’s hierarchy are lining up potential replacements for the former Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain chief.

It’s claimed that ex-Juventus manager Max Allegri and former Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta, who is now Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, are both in the frame.

Arteta has done a fine job alongside Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

However, it’s thought that Raul Sanllehi (head of football), Edu (technical director) and Josh Kroenke (director) are happy to give Emery more time to turn things around.

Saturday’s draw now means Emery has picked up just two wins from the last nine league matches.

The Spaniard has also had to deal with numerous questions regarding the captaincy after Granit Xhaka swore at supporters who jeered him when he was substituted during the draw with Crystal Palace.

Arsenal’s head coach responded by asking the Switzerland midfielder to apologise and left him out of the squad for the match against Wolves.

However, he has yet to confirm whether Xhaka will continue to wear the captain’s armband and if he will make a return to the side.

The Gunners next face a trip to Vitoria Guimaraes in the Europa League on Wednesday before travelling to third placed Leicester City in the Premier League three days later.