Arsenal are reportedly “preparing the ground” to replace Unai Emery despite their “official” stance that they don’t want to sack the Spaniard.

Emery saw his side let a lead slip for the fourth game in a row as they were pegged back by Vitoria to draw their Europa League clash 1-1 in Guimaraes on Wednesday as the pressure grows on his position.

The spectre of former Chelsea and Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has started to hang over Emery as reports continue to link the Portuguese to the Arsenal hotseat.

The Gunners denied suggestions over the weekend that Mourinho had dined with Arsenal head of football Raul Sanllehi as pressure continues to build on Emery.

And, according to journalist Duncan Castles, Arsenal have no plans to sack Emery but are putting in the groundwork just in case.

“Arsenal’s official position as I was briefed this week is ‘we are not looking for a new coach’,” Castles told Reach PLC’s Transfer Window Podcast.

“That’s according to an Arsenal spokesperson but the word in football is very different.

“The very well-sourced information we have is that Arsenal are preparing the ground in case they have to change the manager during the season or at the end when his contract expires.

“The suggestions are that they do not intend to extend his contract regardless.”