1. Managerial (un)certainty
I’m not sure if the news has covered this anywhere outside of North London, but there’s a bit of controversy surrounding Arsene Wenger’s future at Arsenal. Mauricio Pochettino, on the other hand, seems a sure bet to remain with Spurs for the foreseeable future.
Don’t forget that Barkley has already had to endure several managerial changes. Most recently, he had to adjust from Roberto Martinez’s laissez-faire management to Ronald Koeman’s authoritarian rule. You can bet that he won’t risk moving to a club where another managerial change is such a significant possibility.
Again, there’s a great deal of irony present here. For the last two decades, Arsenal have been able to tout their managerial stability over their North London neighbours. Suddenly, the shoe is on the other foot. Now it’s Spurs who can claim they are the more stable of the two clubs.
Next: Tottenham want to turn the tables on Real Madrid
Arsene Wenger may return to Arsenal next season, but don’t expect to see him manage Ross Barkley. The talented Englishman is much more likely to commit his future to the stability of Mauricio Pochettino’s reign at Tottenham.