Football365 wrote in an opinion column that Mikel Arteta once “came extremely close” to being appointed Newcastle manager. The outlet said the possibility emerged during Newcastle's search for a successor to Rafael Benitez in the summer of 2019.
Background to the search
Football365 wrote that Newcastle's efforts to replace Benitez followed the announcement that he would leave when his contract expired. The outlet said the failure to agree a renewal largely boiled down to differences in opinion over the club's transfer policy.
Football365 also wrote that Newcastle refused to make Salomon Rondon's loan permanent, and that Benitez then went to Dalian Professional in China. The outlet added that Newcastle spent £40m on Joelinton.
Names linked with the role
Football365 wrote that Jose Mourinho was linked with the Newcastle job, while Arsene Wenger distanced himself from the speculation. The outlet also said Avram Grant was mentioned in connection with the role.
Football365 wrote that Sean Dyche, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Laurent Blanc, Claudio Ranieri, David Moyes, Roberto Martinez, Quique Sanchez Flores and Garry Monk all had backing of some kind in the search. Sam Allardyce said he was “very flattered” but “politely said no”.
Arteta as a live option
Football365 wrote that Arteta was installed as the early favourite to take over at St James' Park in the summer of 2019. The outlet said that, for a time, Arteta as Newcastle manager was a live possibility.
Football365 quoted Luke Edwards as writing: “There is a reluctance to look at what have been described as “all the usual suspects.” That may lead to the appointment of a younger, more dynamic coach, rather than one with vast amounts of Premier League experience.”
Football365 wrote that Arteta rejected “an extraordinarily long contract”.
Luke Edwards on Newcastle's approach
Luke Edwards wrote: “With Steve Bruce seen as a safe pair of hands by those close to owner Mike Ashley, he would appear not to be a big enough name to head a shortlist at this stage, so Newcastle will continue to compile a list of potential targets.”
Football365 wrote that among the younger coaches under consideration, alongside Steven Gerrard and Patrick Vieira, was 37-year-old Manchester City assistant Arteta.