Ancelotti appears bound for Arsenal amid Everton interest

Carlo Ancelotti appears bound for Arsenal, according to reports in the Italian media.

The 60-year old coach was sacked by Napoli on Tuesday evening, despite heaving led the club into the Champions League knockout stages with a 4-0 win over Genk.

The former Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea coach had endured a tough time at the San Paolo this season, with many of the Napoli squad revolting against the decorated manager.

Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis, also said to have been at loggerheads with Ancelotti in the past, removed him from his position as Partenopei boss with Gennaro Gattuso set to replace him in Naples.

Now a free agent, Ancelotti is expected to become a prime target for many clubs, with Arsenal, Everton and West Ham all said to be keen already.

However according to La Repubblica, the Gunners may have already won the race, with the report claiming that Ancelotti essentially has his bags packed for London already.

The Italian had wanted a return to the Premier League, and with Arsenal being without a manager following Unai Emery’s sack earlier this month, the London club is the most likely destination.

Everton want Ancelotti after sacking Marco Silva, while West Ham will consider him to replace Manuel Pellegrini, but both clubs pale in comparison to Arsenal who will likely be considered the more attractive project to Ancelotti.

Read Everton Verdict

While Everton aren’t totally out of the running, it was always to be expected that they would face an uphill battle to land a manager with such a reputation as Ancelotti’s.

As frustrating as it is to see Everton consider appointing managers of the calibre of David Moyes, it is for a reason, and that is that it will be difficult to attract managers of the highest calibre given the club’s current struggles both on and off the field.

With Unai Emery interested in the role, he would be the best of what is currently available it would seem, but while Ancelotti might want a move to Arsenal, there is yet no guarantee that a move will go through. Everton have a chance, but it is admittedly slim.