Arsenal to reject Pep Guardiola?

No doubt about it, Pep Guardiola is the most sought after manager in football. 

Age 41, he has already won as many Champions League trophies as a manager (two) as 70-year-old Sir Alex Ferguson. After walking away from Barcelona in the summer for a 'sabbatical' his stock rises by the day.

This weekend reports have linked him with positions at four English clubs, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal. It is the Gunners where we are focusing this article on, asking whether or not the Emirates is a legitimate destination for the Spaniard.

The Telegraph claimed on Saturday that Guardiola wants to manage in London. If true this would rule the Manchester clubs out of the running, leaving Chelsea and Arsenal as options.

The Chelsea project is going swimmingly for the moment, but Roman Abramovich made his intentions clear by offering Roberto di Matteo just a one-year deal.

Arsenal however is more complex. The Telegraph's report claims that the Gunners are unlikely to move for Guardiola such is their faith in Wenger.

"Wenger also remains under contract until the end of next season but Stan Kroenke retains complete faith in his stewardship of the club and the offer of a contract extension is highly likely."

How does this make Arsenal fans feel?

Who would they prefer to take the club forward? Arsene Wenger or Pep Guardiola?

Clearly Wenger cannot go on forever, and one day a successor will have to be appointed, but would making a cataclysmic change at the Emirates just be too soon?

It appears so. Arsenal's problem at board level is a lack of strong leadership. Does anybody have the gall to ask Wenger to step aside? 'Silent Stan' Kroenke, the majority shareholder, is reluctant to dip his toe into team affairs, only attending the club's AGM because his NFL franchise the St Louis Rams were playing in London during the same week.

With strong leadership Arsenal could move Wenger aside, if they wanted to, but the manager has been there so long, and despite his recent lack of success, is a revered figure, a club icon and legend.

But Pep Guardiola will only be available once. He wants to move somewhere where he can build a similar dynasty to Barcelona. 

It can be argued that Arsenal are a 'purer' challenge to the Spaniard, having gained their financial stability and success organically, rather than through rich sugar-daddy owners. 

The links and respect between Arsenal and Barcelona have been clear over the past 15 years, with the Spaniards signing several Gunners players, and Arsenal taking on several youngsters from the La Masia academy, famously Cesc Fabregas.

However it appears that while Chelsea have a plan to take on Guardiola if necessary, and Manchester City have brought in his former mentor Txiki Begiristan, and Manchester United are said to be looking at phasing him into take over from Sir Alex Ferguson, no such reports have linked Arsenal with bringing in the Spaniard.

If Guardiola does sign onto manage at one of Arsenal's rivals, will the Gunners have missed a trick?

You get the feeling all the pieces are in place for the club to attract him, but there appears to be a lack of will to do so. Sticking with Wenger is admirable, but Guardiola could be the custodian for the next 10-15 years if Arsenal tempt him on board.

Failing to seize the initiative and being complacent with Wenger, rejecting the chance to attract the most wanted man in football management may be a lost opportunity, for the day when the Frenchman does need replacing.

Who will they then bring on board? You can bet one thing. There won't be someone of Guardiola's calibre available - the man is a total one-off. Which is why they should move now. But we're not expecting them to do so. 

Do you think Arsenal should go for Guardiola? Do you agree the board are more likely to reject such a proposal and stick with Wenger?

image: © tpower1978