Arsenal will begin search for a new Arsenal first-team assistant for Mikel Arteta after Freddie Ljungberg left the club on Saturday.
The club’s website officially announced the departure of Ljungberg from his coaching role which means that Arteta will now be looking to add further experience in his backroom staff.
Below, we take a look at the runners and riders who may be the Gunners' next first-team assistant coach.
Xabi Alonso
Alonso’s development as a coach at Real Sociedad suggests that he could be ready for a challenge in the Premier League.
Working under Arteta would prove a logical move with the pair believed to have a good relationship off the pitch.
They both grew up in Spain within a five-minute walk of each other’s houses and therefore became close friends before pursuing respective careers in the professional game.
The pair played for Liverpool and Everton during their playing days which allowed them to stay in close contact before exploring other avenues in more recent years.
Given that Alonso has progressed through the ranks since retiring, a reunion with an old friend could be on the cards following Ljungberg’s departure.
Per Mertesacker
Mertesacker has been involved in the club set-up over the last few seasons since joining as academy manager in 2017.
Since then, the former Arsenal defender has been more involved with the first team and even stood in as interim assistant manager when Ljungberg took the caretaker job.
Such experience could point towards the German being a more risk-free appointment further up the ladder if Arteta sees fit.
The fact that Mertesacker knows the club so well and has become more involved over the last few years indicates that he may be someone worth considering.
Jesús Casas
While Alonso and Mertesacker present more youthful options, Arteta may be more inclined to recruit an experienced assistant.
The 48-year-old is currently assistant to Luis Enrique at the Spanish national team which may complicate things, but an appointment in his mould could be an avenue worth considering.
SEE ALSO | Video: Tottenham Star Dele Alli Entertains Himself By Pranking Female Friend
Casas has previously worked in the Premier League at Watford which indicates a relative degree of familiarity with English football.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
