Real Madrid want Arsenal coach Francis Cagigao

Posted Wednesday, July 22, 2015 by squawka.com

Real Madrid are eyeing out-of-contract Arsenal assistant technical secretary Francis Cagigao, reports the Sport.

Cagigao is best known for bringing former Gunners sensation Cesc Fabregas to England during his former role as a scout in the North London.

He has also worked as a coach under Arsene Wenger and most recently worked in a technical role at the Emirates outfit, although the French manager has not offered Cagigao a new deal at the Emirates.

Fellow Spaniard Rafa Benitez is now keen to bring the 45-year-old into Madrid’s new-look backroom staff at the Bernabeu.

In 2003, Cagigao unearthed a teenage Fabregas as the Spanish midfielder was playing in Barcelona’s youth set-up with the likes of Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique.

The Catalan midfielder turned out to be one of Arsenal’s most profitable sales ever, after returning to his boyhood club for £35 million in 2011 (fee via BBC Sport).

Fabregas, of course, was a huge success in the Premier League, making 212 appearances for Arsenal. The midfielder made a further 91 appearances in other competitions – which included an FA Cup final win in 2005 over Manchester United and a Champions League final defeat in 2006 to Barcelona.

Benitez will be hoping Cagigao discovers similar young talents for his latest venture. The former Valencia, Liverpool, Inter Milan and Chelsea manager has taken over Carlo Ancelotti’s trophyless side.

The Italian did however win the coveted La Decima – Madrid’s 10th European Cup – in 2013/14, although this wasn’t enough to save his job as Florentino Perez wielded his famous axe once more.