Arsenal have been repeatedly linked with Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone so far this season, after it was hinted at that this could be Arsene Wenger’s final year with Arsenal. Now the bosses on the board have been given a boost if they are truly interested in Simeone, because he has reportedly taken a step forward towards ending his spell at Atletico.
It was hinted at the start of the season, that this campaign could be Le Prof’s last with Arsenal after 20 years of service. Although his future remains unconfirmed, it is highly anticipated it will be his last and the members on the board have reportedly already been lining up potential candidates to replace him. Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe heads the list as a firm favourite, whilst Germany manager Jochaim Low is also an option. But Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone may have just given the Gunners a boost, as he has today negotiated a contract reduction.
Contractual reductions are of course a rare sight in the game without the person in question being released from commitment altogether, however Atletico officials have agreed to reduce Simeone’s deal from lasting until 2020, to now keeping him under contract until 2018. The manager said in July: ‘I am a young coach so I feel that [a move away from Atletico] it is possible. There are many other leagues that would provide great challenges, but the English and Italian leagues are particularly attractive.’
Arsenal therefore may be on high alert, although of course Simeone’s contract still lasts for another season after the conclusion of the current 2016-17 campaign. Chelsea are also supposedly interested, despite having recently employed Conte at the helm, whilst PSG and Inter Milan have reportedly had offers rejected in the past.
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By AH