Arsenal boss Wenger favourite to succeed Guardiola at Barcelona
Published:Pep Guardiola has today confirmed he will leave Barcelona this summer, and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is early favourite to succeed him at 3/1.
Wenger is in the 16th year of his tenure in North London, having won global acclaim for the fashion in which his teams have played football during his time in charge.
His Arsenal side have often been dubbed the ‘English Barcelona’ for their penchant for slick, one-touch passing, leading to him heading the betting to take over the Catalan giants.
Barca president Sandro Rosell has long indicated his admiration for the way Guardiola had the team playing football, so could see Wenger as the ideal replacement for him, bearing in mind their similar philosophies.
Amongst other options, Athletic Bilbao coach Marcelo Bielsa is a 4/1 chance to take control of the European champions, after steering his side to Europa League and Copa del Rey finalist status this term.
English fans will be familiar with Bielsa’s coaching style, having seen his side complete a double over Manchester United during their European run, and playing some spectacularly attractive football at Old Trafford in the process.
His familiarity with La Liga could stand him in good stead to land the position.
Meanwhile, former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is a 16/1 shot to land the role, with his youthful approach a possible plus point for club president Rosell.
In the aftermath of Guardiola’s departure, Ladbrokes have also opened a market regarding his next destination.
3/1 is the price attributed to Guardiola taking charge of Chelsea next, whilst Man City and Man United are 7/2 to be his next port of call, and he is 5/1 to replace Wenger at Arsenal.
The Premier League certainly appears his most likely destination, and he is 11/4 to be at the helm of any Premier League club by the start of the season, and just 15/8 to win the English title within the next five years.
