Jose Mourinho could be in line to replace Unai Emery at Arsenal as Special One eyes return

Arsenal are reportedly looking to hire Jose Mourinho if they decide to call time on Unai Emery’s tenure at the Emirates.

That’s according to a report in The Sun.

Emery is currently under intense pressure in north London, most recently throwing away a two-goal lead at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Gunners have won just two of their last five Premier League games, and are already losing ground in the race for the top four.

Instead of catching up with fourth-placed Chelsea, who are four points ahead of them, they are more concerned with the drop behind them, with three points separating themselves from 11th-placed arch rivals Tottenham.

And Emery’s position is believed to be under serious threat, Mourinho is believed to be the ideal candidate.

The Portuguese boss has been without a club since last December, when he was sacked by Manchester United.

The ‘Chosen One’ had been tipped to return to Real Madrid, with Zinedine Zidane under pressure at the Bernabeu.

Madrid have dropped down to sixth in La Liga, and have failed to get the best out of their £275million summer acquisitions.

However, after last week’s Champions League win over Galatasaray, it is believed Zidane’s position is not under immediate threat.

This leaves Arsenal as one of the most viable options for Mourinho.

However, according to Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, the 56-year-old has already decided on his next role.

Earlier this month, he confirmed he attempted to hire Mourinho, but was rejected.

Aulas said: “We had some fairly flattering exchanges over SMS. It was nice for everyone.

“He did not accept our proposal to meet because he has already chosen another club.”

source: express.co.uk