Nuno, Arteta...and Pochettino? Seven contenders who could become next Arsenal manager

Unai Emery was sacked on Friday following a poor run of results

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  Nuno Espirito Santo. The Wolves manager refused to take questions on Wednesday relating to a potential move to Arsenal, insisting it would be “disrespectful” to discuss another coach’s job. With the role now vacant, will the Portuguese now be more open to share his thoughts? Unlikely, but that has not stopped him being installed as a leading contender to take charge at the Emirates Stadium. Nuno has had spells at Rio Ave, Valencia, and Porto, but it is his two-and-a-half years in charge at Wolves that will most catch the eye of the Arsenal board: after dominating the second-tier Championship in his debut season, Wolves finished seventh in their first season back in the Premier League. The club are currently fifth in this season’s standings. PA

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  Mikel Arteta. It would be a massive first job for someone whose only managerial experience has been gained as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City. But it would be a hugely popular appointment given Arteta spent five seasons as an Arsenal player, three of them as captain. Indeed, big clubs have not been afraid to appoint former players with limited managerial experience in recent years, including Arteta’s current boss when he was at Barcelona. Considering the massive task facing the new Arsenal manager, Arteta will probably be viewed as a bit too raw by the board. But if they are looking for a feel-good factor (something seriously lacking at the club in recent months), Arteta will be a contender. Reuters

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  Freddie Ljungberg. Like Arteta, Ljungberg will be given plenty of backing by the Arsenal fans should he be given the job, courtesy of his nine stellar years as a player until 2007. The former winger will have the immediate chance to impress when he takes temporary charge of the first team this weekend, while the fact he has been working within the Arsenal setup could work in his favour. However, also like Arteta, Ljungberg’s lack of experience could count against him given the many challenges Arsenal face in the short term. AP Photo

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  Carlo Ancelotti. One of the most decorated managers in modern football, Ancelotti has won league titles across Europe with AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich, and European Cups with Milan and Real Madrid. However, the Italian finds himself under pressure in his current role at Napoli, with the club stuttering in Serie A this season. Ancelotti has a wealth of experience and would bring a much-needed steadying hand to Arsenal, but any move could depend on his status as Napoli manager. Reuters

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  Massimiliano Allegri. Allegri has been unemployed since leaving Juventus in the summer following a fifth successive Serie A title. Could Arsenal be Allegri’s route back into management? The Italian has previously insisted he is enjoying his break from football, so one option would be for Arsenal to stick with an interim manager until the end of the season and appoint Allegri ahead of next season. Given Arsenal’s immediate need for stability, it seems an unlikely prospect, so any move for Allegri would likely be based on his willingness to end his sabbatical. Getty Images

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  Brendan Rodgers. A manager with plenty of experience and success in the Premier League and one who favours the sort of attacking football demanded at Arsenal, but would Leicester City let their manager leave when they look to be on track for a top-four finish and a return to the Champions League? Rodgers could well be tempted were it not mid-season, but the Northern Irishman is not likely to leave during the campaign. Getty Images

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  Mauricio Pochettino. This would be an interesting appointment just to see how Arsenal fans react. On one hand, hiring Tottenham’s most recent manager should be seen as unthinkable, yet at the same time, Pochettino has proved himself to be an elite-level coach capable of getting the best out of players while setting his teams out to play intense and forward-pressing football. From Pochettino’s side, would he even entertain the idea? Probably not, but it would cause a great stir if he were to be appointed. EPA

Unai Emery was sacked by Arsenal on Friday due "results and performances not being at the level required" as the Premier League club begins their search for a new permanent manager.

Speculation is sure to be rife over who the next permanent manager will be at the Emirates Stadium, so with that in mind, here are seven names who could be in contention to take charge at Arsenal.

To move on to the next contender in the above photo gallery, click on the arrows or thumbnails, or if using a mobile device simply swipe.