Carragher questions Arsenal's manager chase prior to Emery appointment

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has questioned why Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez was not considered for the Arsenal job after the departure of legendary manager Arsene Wenger at the end of last season.

After Wenger stepped down, Arsenal were reportedly close to bringing former Everton player Mikel Arteta, but the move never materialised.

Arsenal went ahead to appoint Unai Emery, who is a former coach of French giants Paris Saint-Germain and Spanish side Sevilla.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Carragher said, Football.London reports: "You look at someone like Rafa and his CV, with what he’s done - he’s got trophies everywhere. Why wasn’t he in the running for the Arsenal job?"

Carragher also said that Benitez is probably his biggest influence in football after playing under him at Anfield between 2004 and 2010.

After a not very busy transfer window, Benitez's Newcastle are currently in 18th place in the league after getting only a point from their opening four games.

Arsenal on the other hand have collected six points from their opening four games after defeating West Ham United and Cardiff City in their last two encounters.