In a new book detailing how Arsenal became Premier League champions again after 22 years, The Telegraph's Sam Dean reveals that after Emery's dismissal in November 2019, Pochettino was one of several candidates contacted by the Gunners.
How close was Pochettino to joining Arsenal at the time?
Pochettino was unemployed at the time, having been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur just 10 days before Emery's departure.
According to Dean, Arsenal held "serious talks" with Pochettino, and Pochettino "showed a willingness to engage with the Gunners."
If this appointment had materialized, it would have added another layer of intensity to the North London Derby.
No player had transferred between Arsenal and Tottenham since William Gallas in 2010.
Before Gallas, the most high-profile transfer between the two clubs was Sol Campbell's move from Tottenham to Arsenal in 2001.
In the years that followed, there was almost no player movement between the two rivals, which would have made Pochettino's appointment a hugely controversial move in football.
Pochettino was not the only notable candidate on Arsenal's shortlist after Emery's departure.
Who else did Arsenal consider to replace Emery?
It is reported that Gunners legend Patrick Vieira gained favor with the Emirates Stadium due to his coaching performance at Nice in Ligue 1.
Roberto Martinez, who was managing the Belgian national team at the time, was also a candidate and "advanced quite far in the process."
Former Nottingham Forest and Wolves manager Vítor Pereira was also on the list.
Arsenal also considered Carlo Ancelotti, Julian Nagelsmann, and Massimiliano Allegri.
Despite these candidates having extensive managerial experience, particularly Ancelotti and Allegri with their numerous trophies, Arsenal technical director Edu boldly appointed Arteta.
Before taking the job, the Spaniard had only served as an assistant coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, making Arsenal's decision seem like a considerable gamble at the time.
However, the Gunners' gamble paid off spectacularly.
Arteta won the FA Cup in his first season and helped Arsenal end their 22-year wait for a Premier League title last season, after finishing runner-up for three consecutive years.
The Spaniard has since committed to the project long-term, signing a contract to manage Arsenal until 2030.
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