Arsenal football chief Raul Sanllehi had Jose Mourinho ready to replace Unai Emery before the Portuguese's appointment as Tottenham manager.
The board's decision to delay sacking Emery until today cost them hiring Mourinho, says the Daily Mail.
Arsenal's talks with Mourinho had already began in the background and there is now resentment at missing out on the two-time Champions League winner.
Sanllehi told director Josh Kroenke - son of owner, Stan - that Mourinho would be interested in the position but word came back from Kroenke senior that Emery should be given more time.
And, even though Emery was finally sacked on Friday, tensions remain at boardroom level.
Freddie Ljungberg was placed in caretaker charge this morning.
