Arsenal have started looking at candidates to replace Unai Emery amid growing dismay with their struggling manager.
Pressure on the Spaniard intensified following Saturday’s home draw with Southampton, who are second from bottom in the Premier League table.
Marco Silva is also on the brink of being dismissed after a 2-0 home defeat by Norwich left his Everton side just four points above the relegation zone.
Alexandre Lacazette’s leveller in added time saved Arsenal from an embarrassing loss against Saints - but it did not prevent a fan backlash against Emery, who has been warned results must improve. The Arsenal hierarchy are prepared to give him longer to transform the club’s fortunes - but the process of finding a long-term replacement has begun.
Head of football Raul Sanllehi and technical director Edu are keen to give the Spaniard more time, but others at the top believe Emery should go.
Former Juventus boss Max Allegri has his admirers at the Emirates, while Mikel Arteta, who was close to replacing Arsene Wenger last year, could come back into the frame.
Intriguingly, new Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho would have been a contender, while Mauricio Pochettino, the man he replaced last week, is respected by members of the Arsenal board but the prospect of him agreeing to join Spurs’ big rivals are remote.
Everton chiefs met yesterday to discuss Silva’s future and it looks increasingly doubtful that he will still be in charge for Sunday’s trip to Leicester.