Wenger receives more suitors than expected

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Arsene Wenger has revealed that he received more job offers than he expected in the wake of announcing his Arsenal departure.

The manager announced that he would not be in full-time media work next season as he wanted to continue to work in football.

Wenger will take charge of his penultimate game as Arsenal manager tonight (9.45pm) against Leicester City, with the final match of his near-22 years in charge coming on Sunday against Huddersfield Town.

The identity of Wenger’s replacement at Arsenal remains unknown, with several reports revealing that current Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri is the club’s top target, but just as uncertain is Wenger’s own future as he weighs his options.

Speaking yesterday, Wenger revealed that interest in his services had been a bit larger than he imagined.

Asked if he had received any offers since announcing his exit, Wenger answered emphatically: “Yes! More than I expected.

“But I’m not analysing or considering anything. I want to work well here until the last day of my contract.

“For sure I will be active. My brain demands work and is active. I have huge experience in management. Overall, I will work.

“What will I do? I don’t know.”

A number of clubs appear to be on the lookout for new managers this summer, which could trigger something of a merry-go-round come the end of the season.

Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be closing in on the announcement of former Borussia Dortmund head coach Thomas Tuchel, while Zinedine Zidane’s future at Real Madrid could yet depend on the outcome of the Champions League final against Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are confident of naming a successor to Arsene Wenger before the World Cup kicks off next month.

The Frenchman, who has two more games as manager, is leaving the club after almost 22 years.

The Gunners have no specific deadline for the recruitment process, but an announcement is expected before the tournament starts in Russia on 14 June.

Ex-Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has been linked with the job, along with Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri.

Former Arsenal midfielders Mikel Arteta and Patrick Vieira have also been suggested as potential successors, as have Monaco manager Leonardo Jardim and Carlo Ancelotti.