- Claudio Ranieri took helm at Roma for the third time in his career on short deal
- He will leave in the summer and capital club are seeking his replacement
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Why Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid paid off for Liverpool
Roma have ‘made contact with ex-Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas’ to take over in the summer.
The Italian side are currently being led by Claudio Ranieri in his third stint at the helm but his short-term deal expires in June.
Ranieri, 73, was persuaded to come out of retirement, having called it a day when rescuing Cagliari from relegation the season before.
He agreed to take charge and has led Roma to sixth, within touching distance of the Champions League spots.
But the club recognise that he is not the long term solution and are putting the feelers out for a new boss.
Fabregas has emerged as one of the top candidates and is currently in charge of Como, who he has led to a comfortable mid-table position in their first season back in the top flight.
Roma ‘have made contact’ with Cesc Fabregas as a potential replacement for Claudio Ranieri
The ex-Arsenal star has successfully transitioned into coaching and has a bright future
He is regarded as a rising star of management and Sky Sports Italy have reported that contact has been made by Roma already.
Stefano Pioli, Ajax boss Francesco Farioli and Genoa’s Patrick Vieira are also in the frame for the job.
Fabregas might have Ranieri’s blessing to take over after a touching conversation between the pair when Como faced Roma earlier in the season.
‘I hope to become like you,’ said the former midfielder.
‘No, you don’t have to hope for that, you need to hope for better. I tell you that from the heart’, Ranieri replied.
The veteran boss then went on to tip Fabregas, 37, for the top, telling a TV interviewer: ‘I told Fabregas that he will reach very important levels.
‘A coach this young who makes the team play in this way is destined for the top clubs.’
Arteta’s first foray into management has matched the early success of his stellar playing career.
Fabregas spent five years at Chelsea and was one of the best technicians of his generation
Roma are on form and Ranieri has lifted them to touching distance of the top four
He broke onto the scene as a talented teenager at Arsenal, going on to make more than 200 appearances for the Gunners.
He then signed for Barcelona in 2011 and went on to win one LaLiga title and a Copa del Rey before switching back to the Premier League, joining Chelsea in 2014.
Fabregas scored 15 times in 138 games and helped the Blues to two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and Europa League.
He then rounded off his career with a stint at Monaco and then Como before transitioning into coaching.
