Arsenal considered appointing United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino before hiring Mikel Arteta, according to The Telegraph.
Arteta became the Gunners’ manager in December 2019, replacing Unai Emery, who was sacked following a poor run of results and performances.
However, the 44-year-old was initially not considered suited for the position due to his inexperience. Before his appointment, he had only served as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Arsenal also had ‘serious conversations’ with Pochettino, and the Argentine tactician was open to joining the club.
Pochettino established Spurs as regular Champions League qualifiers and guided them to the competition’s final in 2019, where they lost 2-0 to Liverpool.
He was dismissed from his position following an underwhelming start to the 2019/20 season.
Arsenal eventually opted for Arteta over Pochettino and several other candidates, including Patrick Vieira, Carlo Ancelotti, Roberto Martinez, Vítor Pereira, Julian Nagelsmann and Massimiliano Allegri.
Figures such as Ben Knapper, Jason Ayto and Mark Curtis persuaded former technical director Edu Gasper that Arteta was the right fit for the club.
They felt the former Spain international demonstrated qualities of the manager he could become while playing for Arsenal.
Arteta’s appointment raised eyebrows, but what initially appeared to be a gamble has since proved to be a success.
The Basque-born tactician guided the north club to the Premier League title last season, ending their 22-year wait for the title.
Arsenal also reached their first Champions League final in two decades, but lost to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
Arteta recently signed a new contract in recognition of his achievements as Arsenal manager, extending his stay at the club until June 2030.