Tottenham are reportedly exploring the shock possibility of appointing an Arsenal icon as their next permanent manager, rather than bringing back Mauricio Pochettino.
Spurs are already preparing for life beyond Igor Tudor following what has turned into a disastrous campaign. Sitting 16th in the Premier League and just four points above the relegation zone, the club are enduring one of the most difficult seasons in their recent history.
Tudor’s tenure began in nightmare fashion, with a 4–1 defeat in the North London Derby against Arsenal. The result only intensified the sense of crisis surrounding the club.
Tottenham are now firmly in a relegation battle, and survival has become the overriding priority. Tudor inherited a squad low on confidence and leadership, after a turbulent spell under Thomas Frank. While there is clear quality within the group, inconsistency, a lack of goals and underwhelming performances have defined the campaign.
Behind the scenes, however, attention is already turning to next season. Several candidates are being considered for the permanent role.
Mauricio Pochettino remains a popular option among supporters. The Argentine oversaw one of the club’s most successful modern eras, guiding Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final and establishing them as regular top-four contenders. Journalist Henry Winter has suggested Pochettino is the leading choice, although practical complications could stand in the way of a reunion.
Former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is also admired for his progressive style of play, which would signal an ambitious reset.
However, the most surprising name under discussion is Cesc Fàbregas. According to reports, the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder has impressed with his managerial work at Como in Serie A, guiding the club into sixth place and contention for European qualification.
Young talents such as Nico Paz and Jacobo Ramón have thrived under his guidance, enhancing his growing reputation. Despite his strong ties to Arsenal, those connections are reportedly not viewed as an obstacle. Fàbregas is said to be open to the move, while Tottenham are equally interested.
There is also significant competition for his services, with Chelsea previously considering him before appointing Liam Rosenior, and Manchester City monitoring him as a potential long-term successor to Pep Guardiola.
Other names mentioned internally include Eddie Howe of Newcastle and Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth, though Iraola is expected to sign a new deal, effectively ruling himself out.
Despite the growing shortlist, Tottenham’s immediate focus remains unchanged: none of these plans will matter if Tudor cannot first secure the club’s Premier League status.
