Real Madrid interested in Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta?

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly high on the shortlist of potential managers to come in at Real Madrid this summer.

The Spaniard has led the Gunners to the top of the Premier League standings with just nine games remaining, sitting eight points clear of defending champions Manchester City.

However, The Mirror claims that Arsenal are preparing for the worst-case scenario in case they lose their manager should Real come calling at the end of the season.

Despite having a deal that runs until the end of next season, current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is wanted by the Brazilian FA to manage the national team, after Tite's departure following their World Cup quarter-final exit.

The report also states that some people feel if Arteta manages to win the Premier League this season, he could see it as job done at the Emirates, and move on to pastures new.

It is believed that Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi would be Arsenal's preferred candidate to take over, should Arteta depart in the summer.