Arsenal assessed several prominent candidates, including Mauricio Pochettino, Carlo Ancelotti and Julian Nagelsmann, before settling on Mikel Arteta as their manager in December 2019.

Following Unai Emery’s departure, the north London club reviewed a range of possible replacements as it sought to find the right person to lead its next phase. Arteta eventually emerged as the preferred choice, despite having no previous experience as a senior manager. At the time, the Spaniard was working as an assistant coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Details of Arsenal’s search for a new manager are outlined in a book by The Telegraph journalist Sam Dean, which explores the club’s development and changing fortunes under Arteta. Since taking charge, the former Arsenal midfielder has overseen a major rebuilding process and helped restore the team’s position among the leading sides in English football.

One of the experienced managers considered was Ancelotti, whose record included significant achievements across European football and a Premier League title with Chelsea. The Italian subsequently managed Everton before returning to Real Madrid, where he continued his successful career. He later became head coach of the Brazil national team.

Patrick Vieira, Arsenal’s former captain, was also among the potential appointments. Vieira was managing French side Nice when the vacancy became available, although his time there ended with his dismissal in late 2020. He later took charge of Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa before being appointed manager of Senegal’s national team.

Pochettino was another name discussed during the process, despite his previous connection with Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal’s north London rivals. The Argentine coach went on to manage Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea before moving into international football with the United States national team.

Roberto Martinez was also reportedly considered while he was in charge of Belgium. He later became Portugal’s manager but left the position following the World Cup, becoming available for another appointment.

Arsenal also held discussions with Vitor Pereira, who was managing in China at the time. The Portuguese coach subsequently worked at several clubs, including Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest, and has since been linked with the Crystal Palace managerial position.

Nagelsmann attracted attention following his work at RB Leipzig and was included among the club’s alternatives. He later managed Bayern Munich before taking charge of Germany’s national team. His name has also been associated with Manchester United.

Completing the list was Massimiliano Allegri, who had achieved success with Juventus and AC Milan. He later returned to Juventus, had another spell at Milan and subsequently took charge of Napoli. Arsenal ultimately chose Arteta over these seven alternatives, beginning a managerial era that has shaped the club’s recent revival.