Real Madrid view Mikel Arteta as a potential replacement for Carlo Ancelotti and are considering an approach for the Arsenal manager, according to reports in Spain.
Ancelotti and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez have consistently butted heads this season, with Perez reportedly disagreeing on the Italian's team selection.
The Los Blancos president has reportedly expressed his desire to give the likes of Marco Asensio and Dani Ceballos more game time.
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Whilst Ancelotti has heavily relied on the ageing Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in midfield, with Perez believing their minutes should be reduced.
Tensions are now said to have reached boiling point, with Perez personally visiting the dressing room to speak with the manager following their goalless draw with Real Betis on Sunday, as per Football Espana.
The club are now seemingly on the lookout for a replacement and Arteta has been earmarked for the role, according to Spanish news outlet Remontada Blanca.
Arteta to Real Madrid?
Should Ancelotti leave the La Liga giants, the Arsenal boss has emerged as a top candidate for the job.
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The Spaniard has led Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table, as they eye their first domestic title since 2004.
Despite boasting the youngest team in the division, the Gunners have a five-point lead over reigning champions Manchester City.
Arteta signed a contract with the Gunners in 2019, three years after he departed as a player.
His initial deal was set to run out this summer. However, the 40-year-old agreed an extension in April 2022, keeping him at the club until 2025.
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Arteta was also linked with a move to Real's bitter rivals Barcelona last year, having come through their academy as a youngster.
Responding to rumours in November, Arteta reassured fans he was happy at the Emirates.
“What I can say is I’m extremely happy and proud to be where I am,” Arteta said.
“I think Barcelona are in a really good path. They [have] a phenomenal coach who has been an absolute legend in that club and has lifted the whole place, and you have to be respectful of that.”
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Arsenal supporters will hope Arteta's previous links to Barcelona will deter him from a move to the other half of El Classico.
Ancelotti 'expecting' to be sacked
Xavi has since gone on a fantastic run with the Catalan club, leading them to the top of La Liga, nine points adrift of second-placed Real Madrid, as Ancelotti's hopes of defending the title fade away.
Indeed, Ancelotti reckons he will be sacked by the club if he fails to deliver a trophy this season, as per Mario Cortegana of The Athletic.
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Real are currently nine points adrift of first-placed Barcelona in La Liga as their hopes of defending the title fade away.
Meanwhile, a 1-0 defeat in El Classico earlier in the month saw them knocked out of the Copa del Rey, leaving the Champions League as their last feasible chance of silverware.
They are in a strong position having beaten last year's finalists Liverpool 5-2 at Anfield, and will be hoping to finish the job at the Bernabeu on March 15 and secure their place in the quarter-finals.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Real Madrid, Arsenal, Carlo Ancelotti, Mikel Arteta, Football, Premier League, La Liga