Former Liverpool and Real Madrid legend Alvaro Arbeloa is reportedly on the next Como manager shortlist, as the club prepare for life beyond Cesc Fabregas.
Cesc Fabregas to Leave Como?
Como’s 21-year absence from Serie A, which was remedied by promotion in 2023-24, has been more than worth the wait as they continue on their journey for a top-half finish, in their first season back.
Victory on matchday 36 stretched I Lariani’s winning streak to six consecutive games, and Como’s ambitious project shows little signs of slowing down.
From minnows to top-flight mentality monsters, Cesc Fabregas’ first job in management has, of course, grabbed the attention of Europe’s elite.
Much like his former Spanish national teammate, Xabi Alonso, Fabregas has been moulded by an eclectic mix of managers during his playing career; Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, Vicente Del Bosque, Arsene Wenger and Antonio Conte to name a few.
His presence as both a manager and co-owner in Como has been transformative, but fears that he may be swayed by more attractive proposals are starting to be felt.
Reports in Italy even go as far as saying that Bayer Leverkusen, who are preparing for life without the aforementioned Alonso who is Real Madrid-bound, have opened initial talks with Fabregas.
However, much closer to home, the Spaniard is strongly rumoured to be a top priority for the soon-to-vacant hot seat at the San Siro, as the search for the next AC Milan manager begins.
Speaking after Como’s 3-1 victory over Cagliari, Fabregas flirted with his eventual exit, saying: “I want to leave an important legacy, because whoever comes after me will find something good. I am very calm.
“If you are good today, do the same thing in the next match and lose, you are no longer good. But my message has never changed.
“Whatever happens I will thank this company, I am very proud of what we are seeing in Como.”
Fabregas’ comments are said to have left the Como hierarchy surprised.
Alvaro Arbeloa Lined Up as Next Como Manager
Como are already reportedly putting together a contingency plan in case of Fabregas’ exit, which includes another of his former teammates Alvaro Arbeloa.
The former Real Madrid defender currently heads up the club’s Juvenil A side, and is viewed as a progressive, young manager that matches the values Fabregas has instilled at Como.
Everything points towards a figure in the Real Madrid ‘galaxy’ according to reports, with Carlo Ancelotti’s son Davide also appreciated.
