Arsenal contact former Valencia manager as search for new manager continues

Former Valencia manager Marcelino has been contacted by Arsenal about becoming their new head coach, according to reports.

The Gunners are on the lookout for a new boss following last week’s sacking of Unai Emery.

legend Freddie Ljungberg has been placed in temporary charge while the club look for a permanent successor to Emery.

Ljungberg’s first game in the dugout ended in a 2-2 draw with relegation-threatened Norwich on Sunday, and he will be in charge when Brighton visit the Emirates tomorrow evening.

 The hunt for Emery’s long-term replacement continues, and Goal claim Marcelino is high on Arsenal’s wishlist with contact already made.

 The report adds the Spaniard ‘kindly declined’ Everton’s advances last month as they also search for a possible successor to Marco Silva.

Toffees boss Silva is under huge pressure at Goodison Park with his side 17th in the table after 14 games.

Marcelino has been out of work since being controversially sacked by Valencia in September, despite guiding them to a top four finish and Copa del Rey final triumph over Barcelona last season.

He was Valencia’s most successful manager since Rafa Benitez, who won two LaLiga titles in 2002 and 2004.

Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has also been heavily linked with the Arsenal vacancy, with club legend David Seaman backing him for the job.

 The Argentine has admitted his desire to return to management in Europe.

 He told Fox Sports Argentina: “There are a lot of clubs and attractive projects for me to take on. It is my intention to return to manage in Europe.

 “But now I need to be calm for a few days and see what happens.”