Pep Guardiola is tempted by the lure of Arsenal who have emerged as surprise outsiders to land the Spaniard, according to the Daily Mail.
The Bayern Munich manager is to announce next week his plans for after this season when his contract with the German champions expires.
It will become clearer then, if he won’t be extending his stay, which club that could be for or, if he was to sign an extension, who he has in mind for his next job.
Favourites are Manchester City, who would love to appoint the former Barcelona manager and would have no hesitation in sacking Manuel Pellegrini, despite only signing an extension at the Etihad on the eve of the season.
But Guardiola may opt for a year sabbatical, not uncommon as seen before he took charge at the Allianz Arena. That would suit the Gunners, with manager Arsene Wenger’s contract expiring in 2017.
Sources suggest Guardiola is a ‘huge fan’ of the style of play Wenger has implemented in his long career as Arsenal manager.
City have a former Barca director Txiki Begiristain in their favour but Arsenal have the London factor. Pep may want a bigger challenge after taking over at Bayern on the back of a treble win, and that would likely be at the Gunners as well, although if City don’t win the UEFA Champions League this season, that would be a clear target were he to become manager of the Manchester side.
No doubt, Roman Abramovich would want him at managerless Chelsea but the rumours are Guardiola thinks a major overhaul of the playing style is needed at Stamford bridge.
When he makes his statement in the coming days, his future may be slightly clearer.
