In Focus: The Gunners' options if they pull the trigger on Arteta

The pressure continues to build on beleaguered Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

Defeats to Brentford and Chelsea in their opening two Premier League games means the vultures are circling as the Spaniard fights for his job.

A difficult trip to Championship high-flyers West Brom in the Carabao Cup tonight has all the makings of a cup upset too.

But if the Gunners were to get rid of Arteta, who would they turn to?

Brendan Rodgers

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers is the obvious choice — but trying to prise him away from the King Power would not be easy.

Rodgers reportedly said no to the Tottenham role in the summer and has guided the Foxes to back-to-back fifth place finishes.

It is difficult to argue that Arsenal are a step up for the Northern Irishman currently, though he may relish the rebuilding process.

The 48-year-old has been happy to give youth a chance in his career and there is no doubt the likes of Bukayo Saka, Folarin Balogun and Emile Smith Rowe would develop greatly under him.

Rodgers is likely to get a chance at a big six club again in his career, yet he appears content to wait for the right opportunity, rather than jump in at a club in a right mess.

Steven Gerrard

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, who played under Rodgers at Liverpool and came up against him in Scotland, is an intriguing option.

The Liverpool legend guided the Gers to their first Scottish title in 10 years last season, as well as enjoying a run to the Europa League round of 16.

In his first managerial job, Gerrard has proven himself capable of managing a big club with big expectations, as well as his obvious success on the pitch.

But everyone expects the 41-year-old to eventually take over at Liverpool and that could prove a stumbling block.

After Unai Emery and Arteta both took the reins having had no Premier League managerial experience, the Gunners board may be wary of going after another rookie.

Eddie Howe

It is 13 months since Eddie Howe, 43, left Bournemouth and yet still he waits for his next job.

Touted as one of the best young bosses in Britain, Howe turned down the Celtic role in the summer but would undoubtedly jump at the chance to take charge at Arsenal.

His Bournemouth teams often played attractive football and defied all odds to last five seasons in the Premier League.

But they did have a tendency to leak goals, something the Gunners have struggled with for many years, and that may concern the hierarchy.

And it is virtually unheard of for one of the Premier League’s big six to take a chance on a young, homegrown manager  — especially one yet to challenge for a trophy.

Graham Potter

When Brighton replaced Chris Hughton with Graham Potter there were a few raised eyebrows  — but not any more.

Potter, 46, announced himself to the British public when he guided minnows Ostersunds to a 2-1 victory in the second-leg of an Europa League tie at Arsenal.

And since then he has established himself as one of the most progressive coaches in the English game at both Swansea and Brighton.

The Seagulls play football that is easy on the eye under Potter and the likes of Ben White, now a Gunner, and Tariq Lamptey have thrived under his tutelage.

Though he is yet to challenge for trophies in England, the Europa League campaign, two promotions and a Swedish Cup win at Ostersunds would certainly help his cause.

Antonio Conte

If the Gunners were to get a currently unemployed manager to replace Arteta, Antonio Conte would be top of many fans’ lists.

Fresh off guiding Inter Milan to their first title in 11 years, Conte is on the lookout for his next challenge and is a proven winner.

Though Inter had a star-studded side, the Italian proved during his time at Chelsea that he can make the best of the tools at his disposal  — Victor Moses played as a wing-back in that title-winning team.

There is little doubting that Conte would make the Gunners a better side almost instantly, yet it does not appear a particularly attractive job for a manager who can rightly count himself among the best in the world.

And Conte is very much a short-term manager, he would arrive at Arsenal, taste success and then in two years’ time, the Gunners would be in a similar position.

A fun choice  — but maybe not the right one.