Tottenham are thinking about the prospect of appointing an Arsenal legend as their next permanent manager instead of Mauricio Pochettino, according to a new report.
Tottenham plan for life after Igor Tudor
Spurs' season has been a slow-motion disaster.
Sixteenth in the Premier League, just four points above the drop zone, with one of the most embarrassing recent records in the club's history.
Matters weren't helped at all by a 4-1 thrashing in Igor Tudor's first game as interim manager, with the North London Derby against Arsenal announcing his arrival with all the grace of a car crash.
The reality facing everyone connected with this football club is stark. Spurs are in a relegation battle, and right now staying up is all that matters.
Tudor's task is enormous. He inherited a squad stripped of confidence and short of leadership, a group that had buckled under Thomas Frank before the board ran out of patience entirely.
There is quality in this team, and they are capable of competing on their day, but consistency has been non-existent, the goals have dried up and the performances have too often lacked intensity.
Behind the scenes, the planning for next season is already well underway, and the list of candidates to take over permanently in the summer is growing by the week.
Mauricio Pochettino remains a name that resonates deeply with Spurs supporters.
The Argentine built the modern identity of the club during his time in north London, guiding them to a Champions League final in 2019 and establishing them as genuine top-four regulars.
A return has been widely discussed, and respected journalist Henry Winter recently confirmed that Pochettino represents the club's clearest first choice — though complications exist around both his availability and the approval required to get a deal done.
Roberto De Zerbi is another name in the frame, with the former Brighton manager bringing a progressive, high-energy style that would represent a clear statement of intent.
However, a genuinely surprising name has entered the conversation.
Tottenham considering Arsenal legend Cesc Fàbregas as manager
According to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, Cesc Fàbregas has emerged as a candidate being discussed at the very highest levels at Spurs.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder — yes, that Fabregas — has been doing remarkable work as manager of Como in Serie A, guiding the once-second tier minnows to sixth place and a credible push for European football.
Real Madrid prospects Nico Paz and Jacobo Ramon have both flourished under his guidance, drawing widespread praise for his ability to develop young talent.
Bailey reports that Fabregas would be open to taking the Tottenham job and the Lilywhites are likewise considering him, with his obvious Arsenal connections representing no barrier whatsoever.
He spent the majority of his playing career in England, has strong London ties and understands the Premier League environment.
Chelsea considered him as a candidate before appointing Liam Rosenior, and Man City are also monitoring him as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola, so the competition for his services is real.
Fabregas made 303 appearances for the Gunners as a player, winning the FA Cup across north London, and his possible appointment would undoubtedly raise a few eyebrows.
TEAMtalk also reports that Eddie Howe at Newcastle and Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth have both been discussed internally, though Iraola is now expected to sign a new contract at the Vitality Stadium, effectively ruling himself out.
The long list is impressive, but the problem for Spurs is that none of it matters if Tudor cannot keep them in the Premier League first.