It has been less than one year since Manchester United sacked Jose Mourinho after less than three years into the job. Despite being without a managerial position, Mourinho has busied himself with punditry work for various television networks while being linked to several clubs.
This week, Mourinho turned down the chance to manage Ligue 1 club Lyon after they sacked Sylvinho. The French club were hopeful of luring Mourinho to a league in which he has never managed previously but the former Chelsea and Manchester United man declined the offer.
According to RMC, Mourinho turned down the Lyon job as he expects to return to the Premier League to manage an unnamed team.
The news of Mourinho managing in the Premier League once more has led to speculation around which team he could join.
One side that Mourinho could join is Tottenham Hotspur as Mauricio Pochettino’s job looks to be under threat. Leading sportsbooks have Pochettino listed as the No. 3 most likely Premier League manager to be sacked. But would Spurs really go for Jose Mourinho as Pochettino’s replacement?
If Mourinho does not take the Spurs’ job, it leaves few other remaining candidates for the Portuguese manager. It is highly unlikely Moutinho would replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and return to Old Trafford if the Norwegian manager is sacked.
The other top clubs in the Premier League are set with their managers and it is unlikely Mourinho would find a job at one of these clubs. Or is it?
Jose Mourinho to Arsenal
Arsenal manager Unai Emery has a three-year contract at the Emirates. However, the Gunners have a break clause after this season allowing them to dismiss Emery. Although the Gunners reached the Europa League Final last term, they have underperformed under Emery in the Premier League. The team’s defence has been a major issue although goalscoring has not.
Mourinho could be offered the Emirates hot seat where he would have the opportunity to improve the team’s defence. The rearguard was something Mourinho’s Chelsea teams were known for and Arsenal could seek his defensive tactical knowledge.
While Emery has done well overall to succeed Arsene Wenger, Mourinho could be seen as a manager to take the Gunners to the next level. Emery failed to get the Gunners back into the Champions League last term and could fall short once more this season.
While all signs point to Mourinho going to Arsenal’s rivals Tottenham Hotspur, he could actually land at the Emirates next summer.