Carlos Cuesta is set to leave Mikel Arteta's backroom team at Arsenal and become the youngest manager in Europe's top five leagues by taking the Parma job.
Cuesta has been a member of Arteta's coaching setup since August 2020, arriving at the Emirates nine months after his fellow Spaniard. He'd previously worked at Atletico Madrid and Juventus as an assistant for their U17 teams before making the switch to England.
The 29-year-old is considered one of the most exciting up-and-coming coaches in Europe, having helped Arteta transform the Gunners into title contenders during his time with the club. He's now set for his first managerial role and will make history upon arriving at Ennio Tardini Stadium.
Arsenal Assistant Cuesta To Europe's Youngest Manager
He'll also make Serie A history
Carlos Cuesta
Cuesta is set to replace Cristian Chivu following the Romanian's appointment at Juventus, and he'll have a huge job on his hands. Parma finished 16th in Serie A last season, avoiding relegation by five points and his first aim will be to try and steer the three-time Italian champions further up the table.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Cuesta has travelled to Italy and will sign his contract after being handed the green light by Arsenal. His stock grew during his time in North London, obtaining his UEFA Pro Licence after beginning his coaching badges at the age of 18.
Cuesta will become the youngest manager in Serie A this century at 29 years, 10 months and 20 days should he indeed become Chivu's replacement. Elio Loschi is the youngest in Italian top-flight history, taking over Triestina in 1939 aged 29 years, nine months and 20 days.
It's a bold move from Parma that shows the level of faith they have in the Mallorca-born coach's abilities to lead the team. He previously worked as an individual development coach with the Gunners, working at Hale End, which has developed some of the Premier League's brightest talents, including Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, and Ethan Nwaneri, 18.
Cuesta will join an impressive list of young managers who are working in Europe's top five leagues. The Spaniard will take the title of youngest from Brighton & Hove Albion's Fabian Hurzeler. The 32-year-old German is joined on the list by newly-appointed Southampton boss Will Still, who is one of two English representatives.
Youngest Coaches in Europe's Top Five Leagues
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Arteta will lose an important assistant in Cuesta, as the pair have worked well together to guide Arsenal back among Europe's elite. This isn't the first time he's been linked with an exit, amid Norwich City setting their sights on him in February.
The Gunners boss spoke positively about what such interest meant regarding his colleagues' work at the Emirates (via Arsenal.com):
"The fact that other clubs are trying to come and get them, which is always a really good sign that they're doing a really good job, and we have the right people here."
Arteta will want to quickly find a replacement to ensure he has a coaching team prepared for another go at ending the club's 21-year title drought. His men finished second for the third consecutive season, 10 points behind champions Liverpool.
All statistics courtesy ofTransfermarkt- correct as of 18.06.2025
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