Offers flood in for ‘surprised’ Wenger before Arsenal exit

Arsene Wenger said yesterday he has received plenty of job offers but is remaining focused on his final two games as Arsenal manager.

Wenger, 68, will leave the Premier League club at the end of the season after 22 years in charge. The Frenchman has led Arsenal to three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups, as well as guiding the club to an unbeaten season in 2003/04.

Wenger has two matches remaining, both away from home – at Leicester City today, then at Huddersfield Town on Sunday.

Arsenal are yet to win a point on the road this year.

His last match at the Emirates Stadium saw Arsenal thrash Burnley 5-0, which preceded an emotional tribute from the club and fans.

After announcing he would be leaving Arsenal last month, Wenger vowed to continue in football management, and while he revealed yesterday he has had plenty of offers, he said he would take his time before deciding the next move.

Asked if he had received any offers, Wenger replied: “Yes, more than I expected!

“At the moment I focus on doing my job well. I didn’t analyse anything or consider anything. I want to work well until the last day of my contract, and then after, I will rest a little bit and go from there.”

Media reports have speculated over who will replace Wenger at Arsenal, with Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri, former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, and former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti among those linked with the vacancy.

“I think the earlier, the better,” Wenger said when asked if an appointment should be made ahead of the World Cup, but he refused to be drawn on who he favoured.

“People want hope and they need as well to prepare for the next season. I must say the squad doesn’t need much, because there’s a huge potential in there. There’s a good spirit, a good basis. It needs two or three additions and this team will compete for the championship next year.”

Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny was carried off on a stretcher early on in Thursday’s 1-0 defeat in Spain and Wenger confirmed the 32-year-old is “devastated” as he faces up to six months on the sidelines with a ruptured Achilles.

Meanwhile, talks about a new contract for Jack Wilshere are on concurrently. “I am not involved in the negotiations,” Wenger said. “I am convinced, like I always was, that his future is here.”