The speculation is intensifying.
Arsenal appear to have made a significant breakthrough in their search for Arsene Wenger’s successor. After the Frenchman announced that he would be stepping down in the summer after nearly 22 years in charge, several names were mentioned as speculation mounted.
Among those believed to be under consideration were Patrick Vieira, Mikel Arteta, Thierry Henry, Brendan Rodgers, Carlo Ancelotti and Massimiliano Allegri.
However, it now appears that former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has emerged as the clear frontrunner after Chelsea cooled their interest in him.
According to a report in the Sunday Times, Chelsea have instead turned their attention to in-demand Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri, who is tipped to leave the Italian side this summer.
https://twitter.com/101greatgoals/status/987788616972857344
The Blues are making their own necessary preparations for a managerial change this summer with Antonio Conte heavily expected to move on at the end of the season.
With Chelsea deciding against Enrique, it has opened the door for the Champion s League winner to join Arsenal.
According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal’s new director of football relations Raul Sanllehi has already made a formal approach for Enrique. The pair worked together at Barcelona and were reportedly seen dining together at an exclusive London restaurant.
Enrique is thought to be keen on working in the Premier League and is open to taking over at Arsenal. The 47-year-old is coming towards the end of his year-long sabbatical after guiding Barcelona to nine trophies in his three-year stint at the Camp Nou.
The writing was on the wall https://t.co/ALXenpMqH5
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) April 21, 2018
It’s interesting to note the Sunday Times report, which claims Chelsea cooled their interest in Enrique following reservations over his wage demands and temperament. The latter is of particular note. Wenger has always been a portrait of poise and professionalism and a switch to a more unpredictable personality may ultimately prove problematic.
However, Enrique has won plenty of admirers after leading Barcelona to a treble in his first season in charge and it seems as though Arsenal are willing to place their trust in him.
