There have been many many rumours about who is set to replace Arsene Wenger as Arsenal manager next season, but as all the contenders have dropped by the wayside or admitted there had been no contact, it now looks like the only one really in the running is the ex-Barcelona boss Luis Enrique.
L’Equipe in France is reporting that Raul Sanllehi, Arsenal’s new Head of Operations, has had serious talks with the Spaniard over the last few days, and as he worked with Enrique during their time together at Barcelona, it seems Sanllehi is working hard to secure a reunion at the Emirates.
The report says talks are advancing well and say that Enrique is interested in the job. The board feel he’d be a good fit as he appreciates Arsenal’s values and philosophy and is happy to bring youngsters through from the Academy, which is one of Barcelona’s great philosophy’s as well – and both Wenger and Gazidis have made that a condition for the new manager at the club.
Wenger even made a point of praising Enrique when he was asked about who the next boss should be. He said: “They need to make the right decision, even if you have to be bold,”
“Is it former people who worked here? That is even better. But there are many players who had qualities. I don’t influence that choice, but I will stand behind the decision. Of course I have a high opinion of Luis Enrique.”
The betting on the new boss has also been emphatic with one bookie going as low as 6/4 while you can get 3/1 if you look artound for value. For me he now looks nailed but every article claims that he wants to earn 15million, which is simply too much. All the fans complained like hell when Wenger’s wages went up to 9m so it just wouldn’t be right for the new man to earn more. Perhaps start him at 8m and link any raise to future performance and bonuses because that would just be an insult to Wenger as far as I am concerned…
Admin