The leadership at Arsenal has reportedly pinpointed Como manager Cesc Fabregas as the primary choice to take the reins should Mikel Arteta depart the North London club. According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Arteta’s tenure at the Emirates Stadium may be nearing its conclusion following a dramatic downturn in the club’s fortunes over the last several weeks.
The year 2026 began with immense promise for the Gunners, as the squad remained competitive across four different competitions. However, that momentum has vanished rapidly; the team suffered a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and was subsequently ousted from the FA Cup following a quarter-final loss to Southampton.
The pressure reached a boiling point this past Saturday. Despite having the opportunity to establish a 12-point lead at the peak of the Premier League, Arsenal succumbed to a 2-1 home defeat against Bournemouth. The disappointing display led to a significant number of fans exiting the stadium prior to the final whistle, reflecting a growing anxiety within the fanbase that the club might once again falter in the championship race.
This slump has not gone unnoticed by the club’s executive board. Internal discussions suggest that the hierarchy is prepared to implement a managerial change if the season concludes without a trophy. In this climate of instability, Fabregas—the former Arsenal captain currently drawing praise for his work in Italy with Como—has emerged as a leading contender. His impressive campaign in Serie A, where he is pushing for European qualification, has made him a high-priority target for his former club.
