We weren’t expecting this.
Thus far all the talk has been of Pep Guardiola replacing Manuel Pellegrini at Man City next season. He’s definitely leaving Bayern Munich and the Etihad seemed sure to be his destination.
There was some talk of Man United perhaps trying to gazump their local foes, but Louis van Gaal is still in a job, and in any case, Jose Mourinho is seen as his most likely successor.
Now Bild’s chief Bayern Munich reporter Christian Falk – who broke the story that Carlo Ancelotti would be replacing the outgoing Guardiola – reports that Arsenal have entered the race to secure the Catalan.
Pep #Guardiolas future: @MCFC ? @ManUtd ? I see a outside chance for @Arsenal – @SPORTBILD Information: Arsene #Wenger has already called…
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) December 23, 2015
It seems that rather than the former Barcelona man being seen as a threat to Arsene Wenger, it is actually the current Gunners boss who is instigating contact with Guardiola.
The Frenchman is as aware as anyone that he is entering the winter of his Emirates reign, and is eager to secure Guardiola as the inheritor of his legacy.
Arsenal in touch with #Guardiola, according to @cfbayern.
Coach leaving at in the summer: https://t.co/o5q0RYJq3T https://t.co/pxZZeNxAsX
— DW Sports (@dw_sports) December 23, 2015
In many ways it would make a lot of sense. Guardiola has previously expressed his fondness for London as a city, and his footballing ethos would complement that of Wenger.
Arsenal – and Man City – fans wait with baited breath…
