Three former Arsenal players on eight-man shortlist before Emery got the job.
Arsenal may not have to work too hard to replace Unai Emery as the Spaniard continues to struggle this season because they have already done the hard work.
The Gunners named Emery as manager on a two years deal last summer, but they had a list of eight candidates they could have picked someone else from.
The revelations in the Athletic where made by former BBC reporter David Ornstein.
Emery was picked ahead of the likes of club legends Thierry Henry, Mikel Arteta and Patrick Viera. Max Allegri was also on the shortlist as well as Ralf Rangnick, Julen Lopetegui and Jorge Sampaoli.
Allegri is currently out of work after winning seven consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus. Thierry Henry flopped at AS Monaco and Patrick Viera is currently thriving at Nice.
Emery’s position has come under serious scrutiny after Arsenal blew a two-goals-lead against Crystal Palace at the weekend.
The Spaniard will be out of contract by the end of the season. A failure to return the club to the Champions League next season could spell an end to his reign.
Max Allegri is the most accomplished manager on Arsenal’s shortlist and has decided to take the year off. Should the Gunners want to name him as their manager next season, they would have to fight off interest from a host of other top sides including Manchester United.