Arsenal are currently going through turbulent times, and a recent poor run of form saw the Gunners knocked out of the Champions League by German football giants, Bayern Munich. In the Premier League, Arsenal are also going through a rough patch, having dropped to 6th in the table after two consecutive defeats at the hands of Liverpool and West Brom. With Arsene Wenger's contract expiring at the end of the season, Arsenal's future has been in the spotlight for a while now. Subsequently, the Gunners have been linked with several high-profile managers, including Massimiliano Allegri, Diego Simeone, and Luis Enrique.
The BVB manager, Thomas Tuchel, has also been named as a potential successor to Wenger with German newspaper Bild recently claiming that Arsenal have approached Tuchel to replace Wenger in the summer. Arsenal have now responded to these reports.
Arsenal insist they have not approached Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel, who has been widely recognized for his attacking brand of football, seems to be a logical choice for Arsene Wenger's replacement. In terms of football philosophy, Tuchel would fit right in at Arsenal. According to Bryan Swanson of Sky Sports, however, an Arsenal spokesperson has officially rejected any reports linking Arsenal to the Borussia Dortmund manager. The spokesperson further emphasised that a final decision will be made by the Arsenal board and Wenger himself.
Here are Swanson's tweets regarding the reports:
Arsenal deny reports they've approached Thomas Tuchel to replace Arsene Wenger. Spokesperson: "not true." #AFC #SSNHQ (1/2)
— Bryan Swanson (@skysports_bryan) March 20, 2017
Arsenal reiterate that decision on Arsene Wenger's future will be 'mutual, communicated at right time in right way.' #AFC #SSNHQ (2/2)
— Bryan Swanson (@skysports_bryan) March 20, 2017
So while Tuchel would seem to be a suitable successor to the Frenchman, it seems increasingly likely that Wenger will sign a contract extension.
Wenger expected to sign extension
After Arsenal's most recent defeat at the Hawthorns, Wenger stated that he would make his future plans known "very soon". Various sources have now reported that Wenger is set to sign a contract extension and remain at the North London club for at least another year. The long-serving manager has previously emphasised his loyalty to the Gunners and claimed that his preference would always be to remain at Arsenal.
This will come as a huge disappointment to the "Wenger Out" brigade, a portion of Arsenal supporters who believe that it's time for change at the Emirates. Wenger will surely make his decision known to the public in the coming weeks, and regardless of what that may be, Tuchel could still be a viable option for the future.
