Arsenal are currently enjoying success with former captain Mikel Arteta at the helm, and another ex-player could be set to follow his path into coaching.
The Gunners have had a lot of incredible captains over the years, and Invincibles leader Patrick Vieira is another who has taken managerial jobs following his playing career.
Per Mertesacker is currently the head of the academy at Arsenal, and Cesc Fabregas is coaching Serie B side Como.
Robin van Persie took the captain’s armband when Fabregas left Arsenal in 2011, but only wore it for one season before making a controversial move to Manchester United.
The former striker may now be set to take a senior managerial role for the first time, in the hope that one day he can find a similar level of success to his former teammate Arteta.
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Former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie eyed up for managerial role
Dutch outlet Voetbal International have now revealed that Eredivisie side SC Heerenveen have identified Van Persie as a potential managerial candidate for next season.
“Van Persie is also in the picture. The fourty-year former striker is currently the coach of Feyenoord under-18 and can move on to the under-21 next year,” the report revealed.
“But it is also possible that Van Persie, who is in the process of obtaining his highest trainer’s diploma and that process will soon be completed, will be a coach in the Eredivisie next season.”
Could Van Persie ever take a coaching role at Arsenal?
Van Persie’s move to Manchester United was so bitter that to this day, Arsenal fans would not welcome him back for a visit at the Emirates Stadium, whilst he has also been spotted at Carrington in recent years.
This would likely rule him out of ever being earmarked for a coaching return to Arsenal, unlike Arteta, Freddie Ljungberg and Jack Wilshere were in recent years.
The Dutchman scored 132 goals for Arsenal over the years, but ruined his legacy at the club when he pushed for an exit before joining a bitter rival in Man United.
Given his world-class ability at his best, he is someone who could have become a legend at the club, but ultimately left with few honours to his name, and as a disliked figure among the fans.