Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal will struggle to keep hold of Nicolas Jover

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has made a bold statement about Arsenal manager Nicolas Jover and believes the Gunners will struggle to keep him.

Since Jover arrived from Manchester City, the Gunners have become a real threat from set-pieces, with their winning goal in the North London derby coming from a single goal.

Not only have Arsenal improved in attacking set pieces, Jover has also had a huge impact on defence. Last season, the Gunners had the best defence in the league, while conceding just one goal in their first four games this season.

Ferdinand makes bold Jover claim

The statistics since Jover became Arsenal’s permanent position coach make for interesting reading. Since the start of last season, Mikel Arteta’s side have scored 17 goals from corners, and since Jover joined the club in 2021, they have scored a total of 42.

Fixed point coaches are becoming increasingly important in the game. Chelsea recently signed Bernardo Cueva from Brentford.

However, Ferdinand has made a bold statement about Jover and believes the 42-year-old will be manager within three years.

“I hated being left out in the cold when I had to do set pieces,” he told Rio Ferdinand Presents.

“It’s the worst, nobody enjoys it. The difference at Arsenal will be that they now see the benefits and lick their lips.

“They’re going to do it, give us another set exercise, give us something new. That guy’s going to walk around like he’s the don.

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“If he’s not a manager in three years, I’ll be surprised. I bet he’ll be a manager somewhere.”

Jover is clearly one of the best in his field and while it is certainly a bold claim from Ferdinand, it remains to be seen what his long-term ambitions are. The Gunners will certainly hope he stays for as long as possible.

Top photo by Robin Jones AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images