In the surest indication yet of the much-talked about managerial change at Arsenal, Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has told friends he will leave the club at the end of the season to join Arsenal.
According to reports in the Italian media, Allegri, 49, has finalized plans to leave Turin for a switch to Arsenal who are set to part company with longtime manager Arsene Wenger in the summer.
There are claims that the former AC Milan coach accidentally let the story slip at a dinner with buddies at his hometown of Livorno, Daily Express writes.
It's understood Allegri is unhappy with Juve following a recent bust-up with defender Leonardo Bonucci, with the manager recorded using strong language to admonish the player in a heated exchange after a Serie A match.
Bonucci was subsequently banished to the stands for Juventus' Champions League round of 16 first leg trip to Porto but has since made up with Allegri, though sources say the latter is upset the club did not support him during this high profile fall-out.
When asked in February if he was replacing Wenger at the Emirates, Allegri gave a rather cryptic answer: "I won't deny or confirm anything."
This has come at a time when Wenger's 20-year reign is at its lowest ebb, with a section of fans reportedly planning a protest march against the Frenchman's continued presence at the club, ahead of the upcoming visit of Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Roma boss Luciano Spalletti has allegedly been lined up to replace Allegri at Juventus, withholding on extending his present deal at the capital club.