Diego Simeone’s odds of becoming the next Arsenal manager have been slashed after he reportedly shortened his contract with Atletico Madrid.
According to reports in Spain, the Argentinian has taken the unusual step of reducing his own contract with Atleti from 2020 to 2018, meaning he will soon be looking for a new club.
That significant movement has seen bookmakers William Hill cut their odds of Simeone replacing Arsene Wenger, whose own contract expires next summer, from 20/1 to 7/1.
Simeone is therefore second-favourite for the Gunners job, behind only Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, who is 6/1, with Germany coach Joachim Low at 10/1 and former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini 12/1.
The 46-year-old has been with Atleti for seven years, making him one of the longest serving managers in Spain.
He has brought remarkable success to the club in that time, breaking the duopoly of Barcelona and Real Madrid to win the 2013/14 La Liga title, as well as winning the Europa League and Copa del Rey.
Atletico’s standing in Europe has increasing hugely, with Simeone twice finishing runner-up in the Champions League to rivals Real in 2013/14 and 2015/16.
Simeone, who was previously linked with the Argentina job, is therefore one of the most in-demand managers in the world.
Paris Saint Germain and Inter Milan were interested in his services over the summer, but the prestige of Arsenal and the draw of the Premier League could see the fiery Argentine at the Emirates next summer.
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