Arsenal linked with move for Bordeaux head coach Paulo Sousa

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Bordeaux head coach Paulo Sousa has emerged as a shock target for the vacancy at Arsenal, according to Calciomercato.

The Portuguese incumbent took charge of the Ligue 1 side in March and has a contract with them until 2022.

He has overseen a rise to fifth in the division, ahead of Lyon and Monaco, and the Arsenal hierarchy considers him to be an option.

The Gunners opted to part company with Unai Emery last month, following an abysmal run of form.

Sousa, 49, isn’t a novice when it comes to managing in England. He has previously held positions at Leicester City, Swansea City and Queens Park Rangers.

It’s never quite worked out for him in English football, however, and it would be a gamble if Arsenal were to seriously look at him.

Since leaving England he has managed FC Basle, Fiorentina, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Tianjin Quanjian.

As a player, he excelled with the likes of Juventus, Benfica, Dortmund, Inter Milan and Sporting Lisbon.

Arsenal have currently placed Freddie Ljungberg in interim charge of first-team affairs. He oversaw his first win in three games against West Ham last night.

TBR Verdict – Sousa too risky after Emery debacle

Sousa might be a renowned name in world football, although it’s fair to say his name as a player shines brighter than the one as a manager.

He has become a bit of a journeyman manager and never really sticks around for long.

Arsenal are in desperate need of some stability and someone who can see through a project at the Emirates Stadium.

Sousa would be a big risk that Arsenal can’t afford to take right now.

With Massimiliano Allegri on the market, supporters would surely rather see someone like the Italian arrive with emphasis placed on building for the next few years.