Pep Guardiola is reportedly Arsenal’s top choice to replace Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is not retiring just yet, but plans are reportedly afoot for the day he one day does choose to walk away.
Wenger signed a new contract last summer taking him up until 2017, after much speculation as to his future.
The Star report that Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola is the club’s first choice, with the Spaniard’s liking for free flowing a good fit for the club.
Here are three key questions arising amid the prospects of Arsenal landing the two-time Champions League winning boss.
Do the dates add up?
Unfortunately for Arsenal fans it is not going to be straightforward to tie up a deal. Pep Guardiola’s Bayern contract expires in 2016, 12 months ahead of Arsene Wenger’s. This means Arsenal would need Wenger to walk away a year early, or hope Guardiola decides to have a year’s sabbatical, as he did after leaving Barcelona.
Will failing to sign Fabregas look an even bigger error?
Arsenal controversially decided against signing Cesc Fabregas in the summer, who already appears destined to lead Chelsea to the Premier League title. Fabregas flourished under Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, and he could have been key in tempting him to choose the Gunners. If Guardiola did take over, he would no doubt be disappointed not to have him available.
Who else will be in for him?
Arsenal won’t have a clear run at Fabregas, that is for sure. Manchester United will be looking to replace Louis van Gaal at around the same time, and Manchester City made a run at him last time around. You can never discount PSG from the mix, but the biggest temptation for Guardiola will be to return to Barcelona, who have had little luck in effectively replacing him.
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