His attractive style of football has attracted a lot of attention this season
Arsenal and Chelsea are both looking for new managers this season. Arsène Wenger announced last week that he would be leaving at the end of the season after 22 years with Arsenal, although it seems he is jumping before he is pushed, if reports are to be believed. Antonio Conte, meanwhile, is almost certainly on his way out of Stamford Bridge after a dismal title defence.
Both clubs’ boards are on the look out for replacements, and with a relatively shallow talent pool when it comes to elite managers, they could end up fighting over the same coach. Napoli’s Maurizio Sarri is reportedly one of two managers Chelsea are keen to bring to west London, the other being former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique.
Sarri has taken Napoli to within touching distance of the Serie A title this season, and could end Juventus’ seven year monopoly if the Old Lady drop points between now and the end of the season. But it’s not just that they’re mounting a title challenge that has attracted attention, it’s how they’ve done it. The silky passing moves and deadly counter-attacks have made the Italian hot property on the coaching market.
Sarri’s agent has reportedly been spotted in London recently, and Italian TV show Rai Sport claim that Chelsea are still keen to get him, especially if he wins the scudetto.
Enrique remains the frontrunner, apparently, but Sarri’s agent being in London would suggest that a move from Naples to Chelsea is still on the cards.
Sarri has a £7m release clause in his Napoli contract, but that is pocket change to Chelsea, who will surely be more than willing to pay it out if it stops the coach going to Arsenal.
