Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, during the Vibe With Five Podcast, revealed a rumour regarding Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta – and it could spell bad news for Gunners fans.

According to Ferdinand, he says that Carlo Ancelotti could soon leave Real Madrid. Upon his departure, Los Blances would look towards Arteta to replace him.

In the interview, Ferdinand said: “I heard that Real Madrid – and when they come knocking – your players will be coachless. I heard Ancelotti, Don Carlo, the eyebrow, he might be getting off, and that Arteta is looking to go to Real Madrid. That’s the rumour on the streets. The streets are talking, I hope he stays.”

Of course, this is just hearsay on behalf of Ferdinand. He has no evidence to back up his claim – but it could produce disastrous results for Arsenal if it comes to fruition. In time, we will see how reliable his source of ‘the streets’ really is.

Rumours are currently circulating regarding the availability of Ancelotti. He has recently been linked with the vacant Brazil job, but has refused to comment on the matter.

After a slow start to life at the Gunners, Arteta has finally begun to make things work during the current season. Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League and look to be in a good position to win it, despite a couple of lacklustre results in recent weeks.