Arsenal don’t have any “pre-agreement” in place with Antonio Conte about replacing Mikel Arteta, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian journalist has reinforced comments made by agent Federico Pastorello that the Gunners have not lined up the former Chelsea manager as their new head coach:
There’s absolutely NO pre agreement between Antonio Conte and Arsenal. Conte has no verbal/pre agreement with any club and he’s free. 🚫🇮🇹 #AFC
Federico Pastorello – agent close to Conte since years – confirms to @Freddie_Paxton: “Rumours about Arsenal pre-deal are not true”. pic.twitter.com/sHMN9X6pzj
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 5, 2021
Supporters on Twitter are not surprised by this latest update but some feel negotiations with Conte may be stepped up if Arsenal don’t win against Norwich this weekend:
Well that was obvious
— ΉΛПƧ (@hanssn97) September 6, 2021
Do people really believe that the agent of Antonio Conte is gonna say “Yea we have been in talks with Arsenal and he is taking the job when Arteta is sacked”. Seriously stop believing everything you read!!
— VETLE (@goonervetle) September 6, 2021
Thing will change quickly when Arteta lose a game in coming weeks
— NARA (@Art8taOut) September 6, 2021
Boooooo
— ali_bhismo (@ali_bhismo) September 6, 2021
the agreement eventually will be in place when Arsenal lost this weekend. Simple as that.
— BeatTakeshi (@ohozga) September 6, 2021
It’s alright, let them keep talking. Outerta coming soon
— Free Dadiyata Free Leah Sharibu #EndSars (@drbanj) September 6, 2021
They best hurry up
— We are all one (@Weareallone5) September 6, 2021
Gaging interest and if they lose against Norwich they’ll make an offer
— Rottee (@Rottee_) September 6, 2021
In my head I just want to believe it’s true
— legrand_divo (@divine78594511) September 6, 2021
After losing your first three games without scoring a goal, speculation over Arteta’s future was inevitable, and with Conte out of work, a lot of people have been putting two and two together.
The former Inter Milan manager reportedly wants to join a team challenging for trophies, so whether the Gunners’ board could persuade the Italian into moving to the Emirates, remains to be seen.
Arsenal’s recruitment strategy suggests they are planning for the long term and the appointment of Conte would signify a move towards a desire for immediate success.