Everton are ready to slug it out with Arsenal for Carlo Ancelotti — and the Gunners need to make their move quickly.
Italian Ancelotti was sacked by Napoli on Tuesday despite qualifying for the Champions League knockout stage.
Everton have stolen a march as Ancelotti’s representative flew into London last night to meet them before discussions with Arsenal.
The three-time Champions League winner is understood to be ready to jump straight back in, once his severance package with Napoli is agreed, and would prefer a job in London.
But he is very much open to discussing the prospect of a role at Goodison Park.
Unai Emery was sacked two weeks ago and the Arsenal board — and recruitment committee — are split over his replacement.
Marco Silva was given the boot by Everton last week and the club confirmed that caretaker Duncan Ferguson will be in charge for the weekend trip to Manchester United.
But the Toffees are moving quicker in their search for a new boss and are willing to give Ancelotti a two-and-a-half year deal AND funds to spend in the next two windows to mould his own team.
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A committee of senior Gunners staff including director of football Edu are responsible for interviewing and then recommending a boss to owner Stan Kroenke and son Josh.