Asmir Begovic tips former Gunner to return to Arsenal in next step as manager

Asmir Begović has tipped Cesc Fàbregas to make a return to Arsenal in the next step of his managerial career, replacing Mikel Arteta in the process.

The former Stoke City, Chelsea and Bournemouth goalkeeper feels his ex-Blues teammate wouldn't be ruled out as a successor to his fellow Spaniard with his understanding and knowledge of the game crucial to his time on the touchline so far.

Arteta isn't likely to be going anywhere just yet, especially after recently agreeing to sign a new deal with the Gunners, but Begović clearly thinks if he was to leave then Fàbregas would be an ideal replacement.

Asmir Begović tips Cesc Fàbregas to replace Mikel Arteta at Arsenal

Speaking to Hajper, Begović said: "Cesc Fàbregas to Chelsea or Arsenal? You wouldn't rule it out. Having played with him, I know he understands the game inside out, his knowledge is absolutely brilliant.

"He commands respect from his players and works with great energy, enthusiasm, and intensity. It's a perfect mix for a top manager, and his work at Como has been outstanding, but at some point he will look to kick on in his career and look at those next steps.

"I'm sure Chelsea would've considered him but obviously they went down the route of Xabi Alonso, which is a fantastic appointment. A move to Arsenal would be a fitting step given his stature there. I wouldn't be surprised to see him managing in the Premier League or La Liga soon, he has the potential for an incredible managerial career."

Fàbregas has already impressed many just two years into his short time as a manager, having taken the reins at Como ahead of the 2024/25 season following a temporary spell as interim boss during the previous term.

Having been promoted from Serie B in the 2023/24, the Spaniard guided I Lariani to safety with a 10th place finish in the Italian top flight. The following year saw him take Como even higher up the table as they secured Champions League qualification for the first time ever with a fourth place finish.

Some felt this summer would be the point for Fàbregas to move onto a bigger club, but he has remained with Como to take charge during their maiden voyage in Europe's premier competition, despite links with top sides since the end of last season.

He was tipped to take the hot seat at Chelsea, but former Spain teammate Xabi Alonso took that instead with others suggesting he should have been in line to replace Arteta had he failed to win a trophy last season.

A disciple of Arsène Wenger, Fàbregas does seem destined to become the manager of one of Europe's top sides in the not too distant future and Arsenal could end up being one of them.

Having spent eight seasons with the Gunners, he made 303 appearances and rose to become club captain before leaving for Barcelona in 2011. A 2014 move to London rivals Chelsea slightly tarnished his reputation in the red half of North London, but given the intermediate spell in Catalonia, his Arsenal legacy is still viewed far better than the likes of Robin van Persie and Ashley Cole.

There is a big possibility that he could return to the Emirates at some point, but that's unlikely to happen any time soon with Arteta fresh off of winning a first Premier League title and expected to put pen to paper on a deal.

Arsenal would be an ideal destination for Fàbregas in the future, but for now he won't be usurping Arteta on the touchline, no matter what Begović thinks.

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