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Ex-Barcelona manager Luis Enrique to be the next Arsenal boss?

By on April 30, 2018

It appears that the Spaniard, Luis Enrique Martinez Garcia, (former manager of Spanish football giants, Barcelona) has been in touch with Arsenal regarding his availability as a replacement for Arsène Wenger who announced his decision to leave The Gunners at the end of this season.

Wenger’s resignation has taken many people by surprise, including players and ex-player-pundits like Tony Cottee. But the season’s poor showing and the unrest in the dressing room have finally taken their toll, and Wenger has decided to let go of the reins.

Despite rumblings from Gooners over the past few months, replacing Wenger with a quality manager with the requisite experience will be no easy task. However, Enrique does come with an excellent pedigree, having won a total of 9 trophies out of a possible 13 in his three-year spell with Barça.

It’s just the sort of record that will stand him in good stead as a leading contender to take over the wearing of the crown forfeited by the Frenchman, Wenger.

As a former player, the 47-year-old Spaniard started his professional career with Sporting B before moving on to Sporting Gijon, from where he joined Real Madrid, before signing for Barcelona where he finally retired. He played in over 500 top class matches, scored over 100 goals, and played for the Spanish national side through one European Championship and three World Cups.

He began his managerial career coaching Barcelona B, before moving onto Roma. Then, after a short spell at Celta, he ended up as manager of FC Barcelona and led them to the treble in his first year and the double in his second.

Since leaving Barcelona one-year ago, Luis Enrique has been on a sabbatical, but he has made his feelings apparent on the subject of taking over the Arsenal job. He is fit and raring to go.

The Spanish football journalist and Sky Sports pundit Guillem Balagué is of the firm opinion that Enrique is the perfect choice to replace Wenger. He says that the Spaniard has a robust and decisive character, something that will serve him well if he is to be appointed the new manager at The Emirates.

Luis Enrique’s name has also been linked with Chelsea, who will also be looking to replace their manager at the end of this season. However, according to Metro, bookmakers have now made the Spaniard the favourite over early rivals, Carlo Ancelotti and Patrick Vieria. From 16 to 1, the betting has now dropped to 11 to 4.

Ancelotti is still in the running alongside Mikel Arteta, both listed by bookmakers at 15 to 2.

The fact that Enrique has reportedly contacted those at the top at the Emirates to underline his availability could well swing the pendulum in the Spaniard’s favour.