Parma have officially announced Carlos Cuesta as their new head coach, handing the former Arsenal assistant a two-year deal with an option to extend until 2028. Cuesta arrives after the departure of Cristian Chivu, who took over the reins at Inter Milan following Simone Inzaghi’s exit.
At just 29 years old, Cuesta becomes the youngest active manager across Europe’s top five leagues. Despite his youthful age, he brings a strong coaching résumé, having spent five years at Arsenal as part of Mikel Arteta’s trusted backroom staff since 2020. Prior to that, he also had experience with Atletico Madrid and Juventus’ youth teams.
While Cuesta’s new role places him ahead of Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler (aged 32) in terms of youth, he won’t claim the record for the youngest Serie A manager ever. That milestone remains with Elio Loschi, who led Triestina in 1939 at 29 years, nine months, and 20 days. Cuesta turns 30 in July and his debut as Parma boss will be against Juventus on August 24.
The Spanish coach’s move to Italy marks his first senior managerial role, coming off a transformative period with Arsenal, where he helped the club evolve from mid-table status into Premier League title contenders. His emotional farewell to both Arsenal and Mikel Arteta was shared in an Instagram tribute upon arriving in Italy.
Parma, who finished 16th last season and narrowly avoided relegation, are hopeful Cuesta’s fresh approach and tactical insight will stabilize and elevate their position in Serie A. Interestingly, Cuesta is now younger than several players in his new squad.
As Cuesta begins this next chapter, it’s unclear whether Arsenal will immediately replace him. However, Arteta still retains Albert Stuivenberg and Miguel Molina among his coaching staff.