Robin van Persie is on course for a potential reunion with Arsenal in the Champions League.
Van Persie, currently in charge of Heerenveen, is close to being appointed by Feyenoord as their new head coach.
According to reports, the deal should be done in the coming days, with van Persie expected to be unveiled early next week as Feyenoord will have to pay compensation to their Eredivisie rivals.
Brian Priske had been in charge of Feyenoord since replacing Arne Slot - who departed for Liverpool in the summer - but was dismissed on February 10, with Pascal Bosschaart stepping in as an interim replacement.
Bosschaart oversaw Feyenoord's Champions League knockout phase playoff victory against AC Milan which means they could face the Gunners in the last-16.
Should the Dutch side get Arsenal when the draw is made on Friday, van Persie will be in the dugout for both ties and that would set up two intriguing clashes, particularly at the Emirates Stadium given the former captain’s standing amongst supporters.
Van Persie burned some bridges with his decision to join Manchester United in the summer of 2012 and it’s safe to say many fans still haven’t forgiven him.
Still, returning to Feyenoord as head coach would mark a huge step in van Persie's managerial career as he only took charge of Heerenveen in May 2024 and has them sitting ninth in the Eredivisie table.
Furthermore, a Arsenal vs Feyenoord Champions League last-16 tie would pit van Persie against Mikel Arteta. The pair played together for one season and the Dutchman has previously tipped his former vice-captain to become a “great coach”.
“He was a good player,” he said of Arteta to Stats Perform News. “He was always fit, he connected play, he got his goals. He was good.
“As a coach I do think he has the potential to become great. I said that even after watching the first couple of training sessions, or bits of it.
“The way he comes across in the media, the way he makes his team play. It's very promising, very positive.”
