Jardim opens up on prospect of replacing Wenger

Matt Stead

Leonardo Jardim has discussed the prospect of replacing Arsene Wenger as Arsenal manager.

Wenger’s contract with the Gunners expires in the summer, and although the Frenchman has a two-year extension ready to sign, he is weighing up the decision.

The club are currently fourth in the Premier League table and are on the verge of exit in the Champions League after a 5-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

They advanced to the FA Cup quarter-finals by beating Sutton on Monday, but Wenger’s future remains uncertain.

Monaco boss Jardim emerged as one of four candidates who had been shortlisted as possible replacements, and he admits that managing in the Premier League is tempting.

“Well, I think that all managers and players want to coach and play at the highest level and, today, the Premier League is perhaps the biggest national league in Europe,” he said.

“Everyone would like to have the opportunity to coach here.”