Brendan Rodgers Earmarked to Replace Unai Emery Ahead of Make-Or-Break Arsenal/Leicester Clash

​Unai Emery is facing a gauntlet of fire on Saturday when he brings his Arsenal side to the King Power Stadium, with one report claiming defeat could well be the final nail in the coffin for the Spaniard, as the Gunners' hierarchy 'earmark' Brendan Rodgers as his successor in a cruel twist of fate.

With just four wins from their opening 11 league matches this season, Emery has come under severe scrutiny from Arsenal supporters over a perceived lack of direction and style of play, with his tactical setup and starting lineups equally resulting from calls from the fans to see him relieved of his position.

Next up for the ​Gunners is a daunting trip to high-flying ​Leicester, who have been in superb form ever since Rodgers left his post at Celtic to take the reins. The Northern Irishman has lost just five of his 24 games in charge of the club, with Leicester currently sitting third in the ​Premier League table after a fine start to the season.

That totally contrasts with Emery's position in north London, where another abject showing against Vitoria SC in the Europa League only worked to intensify the pressure on his shoulders.

Such has been the discontent among the supporters, that the club's officials have now seemingly taken note. According to ​The Sun, defeat against the Foxes on Saturday could be the curtain call for the 48-year-old, with the irony being that the club would prefer the man in the opposite dugout to take his place.

Indeed, the report claims that Arsenal have 'earmarked' Rodgers as the man they would like to see succeed the Spaniard if they opt to remove him from the post. But that, however, may be easier said than done.

Brendan Rodgers

Sure, Emery's time at the Emirates appears to be running out, and while there is no question over which of the two sides are the 'bigger' club in the division, it would be a brave move on Rodgers' part to jump ship from a team on course for ​Champions League football, for one seemingly lost at sea. 


Remarkably, Arsenal still find themselves in fifth position in the league despite their struggles.


However, The Sun's claims are countered by those of others. According to journalist Duncan Castles, Arsenal have not begun their search for Emery's replacement, although he did stop short by adding that at present their is no intention to extend his contract beyond the season.


“Arsenal’s official position as I was briefed this week is ‘we are not looking for a new coach’,” he told Reach PLC’s Transfer Window Podcast

"That’s according to an Arsenal spokesperson but the word in football is very different. The very well-sourced information we have is that Arsenal are preparing the ground in case they have to change the manager during the season or at the end when his contract expires. The suggestions are that they do not intend to extend his contract regardless.”


Nevertheless, what transpires in the midlands could have a significant bearing on Emery's future, although the Spaniard heads into the clash with a near-fully fit squad, barring the ​absence of Dani Ceballos.



Source : 90min