Mikel Arteta could reportedly lose his Arsenal assistant Albert Stuivenberg as Feyenoord want the Dutch coach to replace Liverpool target Arne Slot.

Liverpool’s interest in Slot, the current Feyenoord manager, has escalated as Jurgen Klopp will step down from his role at the end of the season. Negotiations between Liverpool and Feyenoord regarding Slot’s appointment have reportedly progressed positively, with confidence growing that a deal could be reached even though the Dutch outfit had rejected the first proposal.

With Slot potentially moving to England, Feyenoord need to find a successor ahead of the upcoming season. According to the Dutch newspaper AD, Stuivenberg, who currently serves as Arteta’s assistant at Arsenal has emerged as the frontrunner for the position.

Stuivenberg boasts a wealth of experience in football coaching, particularly within the Feyenoord setup. Having spent numerous years in Feyenoord’s youth academy, he has a deep understanding of the club’s ethos and playing style. Additionally, Stuivenberg’s father also had a notable coaching career at Feyenoord’s age group teams. Stuivenberg is believed to be an attack-minded coach, a quality that aligns with Feyenoord’s historical emphasis on proactive and dynamic play. His professional background includes collaborations with esteemed figures in football such as Louis van Gaal during their time at Manchester United, as well as stints with Ryan Giggs and Rob Page in the Wales national team setup.

While serving as an assistant at Arsenal has provided valuable experience, the opportunity to take on a senior managerial role could represent a significant milestone for Stuivenberg. As the managerial carousel continues to turn, the 54-year-old remains focused on his job at the Emirates as Arsenal remain in contention for the championship. He will be at the dugout with Arteta when the Gunners lock horns with Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday.