Arsenal - Mikel Arteta
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Parma Calcio 1913 have decided to appoint Arsenal assistant coach Carlos Cuesta as their new head coach, marking a bold and historic move for the Serie A club. The 29-year-old Spaniard will become the youngest manager in Serie A history, leaving his role as Mikel Arteta’s trusted assistant to take charge at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.
The appointment, first revealed by renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, comes as Parma part ways with Cristian Chivu, who helped secure the club’s top-flight status last season before returning to Inter Milan earlier this month.
Romano confirmed the news on social media, writing: “EXCLUSIVE: Serie A side Parma have decided to appoint Carlos Cuesta as new manager! Talks at final stages with Arsenal to get green light and appoint 29 year old Spanish manager who’s now leaving Assistant Head Coach role at Arsenal. Record appointment for Serie A.”
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Cuesta’s rise through the coaching ranks has been swift and impressive. Fluent in six languages – English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French, and Catalan, he joined Arsenal in 2020 after working with Juventus’ Under-17 side and Atlético Madrid’s academy. At Arsenal, he played a crucial role in player development, working closely with young stars like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
🚨BREAKING: Carlos Cuesta has left Arsenal to join Serie A side Parma as their new manager.
[@FabrizioRomano] pic.twitter.com/BVl4Hxl6OI
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) June 17, 2025
His ability to connect with players and offer detailed tactical instruction earned widespread praise, including from former club captain Granit Xhaka, who described Cuesta’s growth as “unbelievable” in Amazon’s All or Nothing documentary.
Parma’s decision, described by Romano as a “record appointment,” is seen as a high-risk, high-reward move by a club aiming to reestablish itself in Serie A. The team, which finished 16th last season after promotion from Serie B, is placing its trust in Cuesta’s modern, high-pressing tactical approach and deep coaching pedigree.
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The appointment is being spearheaded by Parma sporting director Federico Cherubini, who previously worked with Cuesta at Juventus. According to Italian media reports, the club is finalising details with Arsenal to formally release Cuesta from his contract. He is expected to be joined in Parma by assistant coaches Antonio Gagliardi and Nicola Pavarini, both retained from Chivu’s backroom staff to ensure continuity.
Carlos Cuesta
Carlos Cuesta (Image credit: Getty Images)
Cuesta’s arrival is seen as a vote of confidence in a fresh managerial philosophy, blending youth, technical acumen, and player-focused development. With Romanian internationals Dennis Man and Valentin Mihăilă among the squad, Parma hope Cuesta can ignite a new era of growth and stability.
Despite his impressive credentials, the appointment has sparked debate due to Cuesta’s lack of senior managerial experience. While his resume includes high-level experience with elite clubs and a study visit to Manchester City, where he first connected with Arteta, he has never held a top job at first-team level. Nevertheless, Arteta has labelled Cuesta “one of the most brilliant coaching prospects in Europe,” a glowing endorsement for Parma’s bold choice.
For Arsenal, Cuesta’s departure is a significant loss as they continue their push for the Premier League title. His departure leaves a gap in Arteta’s coaching setup just as the Gunners prepare for a critical season on multiple fronts.
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