Arsenal are already reportedly eyeing up a successor to current manager Mikel Arteta...

What's the word?

The Gunners have suffered a disastrous start to the 2021/22 season, losing all three of their opening Premier League matches, and now it appears as if the club are planning ahead for a big call.

According to reports in Spain, only an extraordinary run of positive form after the international break will save the Spaniard from receiving the sack in the near future.

It's claimed that Arsenal have already reached out to former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte and that he has even agreed to take over - but not until October.

Arteta will have to win their games against Norwich City, Burnley and arch-rivals Spurs, otherwise, the Premier League-winning coach will be in the dugout in time for their clash with Brighton and Hove Albion, suggests the report.

Save face

The 39-year-old manager isn't the only one facing substantial pressure from above heading into the Premier League's return next weekend as further reports have suggested that Edu Gaspar's job is under threat after several poor transfer windows, per the Express.

It's even thought that another ex-player, Marc Overmars, is being lined up.

But making a call on Arteta sooner rather than later could hand the Brazilian a little lifeline, for the time being.

Conte is a born-winner and would instantly instil a different culture around the Emirates Stadium.

The 52-year-old secured the Serie A title with Inter Milan last season, taking his total to nine major trophies, in which a Premier League and FA Cup are included.

Inter legend Javier Zanetti, now vice-president at the San Siro, lavished Conte in praise following the triumph.

He told Ansa (via CultofCalcio): "This victory was born two years ago when Conte and his staff first walked into our training centre. They brought a top-notch working culture and begun transmitting the correct mindset."

That's what Arsenal arguably need the most right now.

The Italian brought home a 62.7% win rate, averaged 2.11 points and 2.1 goals per game whilst in charge of the league holders, via Transfermarkt. By comparison - in a very similar timeframe - Arteta has not performed as well, managing a 53.3% win rate, 1.78 points and 1.72 goals per match in charge.

During his time in England, Conte drew high praise from one of the very best in the game, Pep Guardiola.

"Tactically he is a master, he did it amazingly with Italy and when he went to Turin [with Juventus]. I think Conte is going to leave, going to give something to English football. I'm sure of that," he said, via the Daily Mail.

The Gunners sit rock bottom of the Premier League after a second successive eighth-place finish and fifth straight outside the top-four. If Edu wants to revive the club and his career in north London, then he must look to appoint Conte at all costs.

AND in other news, Sky Sports journalist drops huge Willian verdict after Arsenal exit...