Everton could face having to pay a sizable compensation fee if we are to land Carlo Ancelotti as Marco Silva’s successor, despite the Italian’s sacking by SSC Napoli, according to the Daily Mail.
Ancelotti was fired by the Serie A side on Tuesday night less than three hours after guiding the San Paolo Stadium natives into the Champions League Last 16, and has since been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal or Goodison Park.
The details of his departure were only finalised on Wednesday, though, and the outcome of those discussions are expected to be crucial in whether the Gunners or we step up our interest in the 60-year-old.
If Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has sacked Ancelotti and parted company with the Italian completely, the former Chelsea boss would be available to take up any position of his choosing, and more importantly for free.
However, if De Laurentiis has only placed the three-time Champions League winner on gardening leave, and therefore remains on Napoli’s payroll, he would be able to demand a likely hefty compensation fee to release Ancelotti.
Arsenal and Everton chiefs are still expected to reach out to Ancelotti in the coming days to discuss his situation, although the Gunners are seen to be his more favourable destination due to the North London outfit’s profile and that he still owns a property in the capital from his time at Stamford Bridge.
But Arsenal are committed to sounding out a range of potential managers through a thorough recruitment process, with intentions to speak with at least 10 head coaches about taking charge at the Emirates.
Should Moshiri target Ancelotti, no matter the cost?
Yes
No
The Gunners’ lack of urgency may give Everton majority owner Farhad Moshiri the perfect chance to show his true ambitions for the club by pursuing Ancelotti, regardless of the compensation fee Napoli may demand.
Moshiri has reportedly taken personal charge of identifying Silva’s permanent successor, and is said to have a contract in line for David Moyes to return to the club after identifying the Scot as someone who could perhaps take charge until the summer.
But landing a manager of Ancelotti’s calibre would do wonders for Moshiri’s intent to take the club beyond the middle of the table, having been forced to sack Roberto Martinez, Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce and now Silva after they failed to deliver the results and style of football he demands.
Moyes would be seen more as a step back than forward for Moshiri, who has to make the right choice in finding Silva’s replacement, not just for results, but for the legacy he is forging on Merseyside.
In other Everton news, a first-team regular has opened up on the dark times he has endured at Goodison Park.