Arsene Wenger wants Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola to succeed him at Arsenal, according to reports. Bayern recently announced that Guardiola would leave the Bavarians at the end of the current season, sparking of a free-for-all between most Premier League giants as they flutter their eyelashes in the Spaniard’s direction.
German outlet BILD made the stunning claim, with their chief football journalist, Christian Falk claiming that Wenger had already made a personal call to Guardiola with a view to enticing the Spaniard to succeed him at the Emirates.
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Arsenal are genuinely making a good fist of their Premier League title campaign this year, leading to Wenger appearing to be his most settled in years. Coupled with the fact that Wenger has a contract till 2017, Arsenal were left out of the speculation when Bayern announced his departure.
However, it seems that Wenger wants to establish his legacy at Arsenal with a final league trophy, and is apparently not keen on leaving until 2017, which would require Guardiola to take another sabbatical following his departure from Munich.
City are still prime candidates
Pep Guardiola has previously expressed his fondness for the city of London, and also the playing style and ethos of Arsenal as a club. Despite that, Manchester City are still prime candidates, as Falk reports that the 44 year old Spaniard has already given the Sky Blues his word.
With Manuel Pellegrini also making overtures, it certainly seems like Guardiola is the belle of the ‘ball’, with the Spaniard being waylaid by multiple suitors, including Manchester United and Chelsea. However, Guardiola may finally be convinced by the fact that City’s current Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain and Chief Executive, Ferran Soriano are keen to renew their association with him.
The pair were key influences when Guardiola was forging his reputation at Barcelona, and coupled with the lack of financial restraints at City, might swing the pendulum in the Sky Blues’ favour. The Spaniard might be looking to unite with them, but a few Gunners fans will hope that Guardiola has a weakness for French accents, allowing Wenger to work his charm.
