Pep Guardiola Rumoured as Arsene Wenger Replacement at Arsenal

Pep Guardiola has been outlined as Arsenal's top target to replace Arsene Wenger when the Frenchman finally departs the Emirates.

The Gunners boss, who failed to address key squad weaknesses in the summer before a run of poor results, remains under fire heading into Saturday's fixture with Manchester United. David Woods of the Daily Star reported exclusive knowledge that Arsenal "are prepared to dream big and go for ex-Barcelona boss Guardiola, currently at Bayern Munich, if the club's slump continues."

Let's break this rumour down. Guardiola is currently contracted to take charge of Bayern until 2016, but despite leading the side to four trophies during his opening year, he hasn't always seen eye-to-eye with those at the club.

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Honorary president Franz Beckenbauer called the team's slow passing build-up, a Guardiola staple after his tiki-taka success with Barcelona, completely "unwatchable" last season. The manager's methods were also criticised after a run of poor form once last season's title was wrapped up, while his tempestuous nature from the bench has reared itself multiple times since he arrived in Bavaria.

Even so, Guardiola is a winner. He's also someone who has never masked his desire to one day manage in the Premier League. His previous comments on the subject were reported by Woods:

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As a player, I couldn't realise my dream to play there. But I hope in the future I have a challenge to be a coach or a manager there and feel the experience of all the coaches and players that have been there. It is unique, to play in that league. I want to feel the supporters, the environment, the media and the style of the players.

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Author Marti Perarnau, who had full access to Guardiola for his book Pep Confidential, revealed the coach turned down approaches from Chelsea and Manchester City prior to accepting the Bayern job.

Upon travelling to Old Trafford to prepare for the 2011 Champions League final against Manchester United, Guardiola is alleged to have turned to his associate and said, "I like this atmosphere. I could see myself coaching here one day."

Pep's close relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson is well documented, so it's interesting to consider whether the Spaniard is biding his time before moving to the Theatre of Dreams. His tenure at Bayern doesn't seem likely to replicate his faultless spell with the Blaugrana, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see the 43-year-old exit when his contract is up.

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Arsenal offer an interesting proposition but most likely at the wrong time for Guardiola's arrival. The board remain supportive of Wenger, who always just about manages to do enough to remain at the club.

While the "#WengerOut" brigade will return if Arsenal lose against United, the reality is that the Frenchman is contracted until 2017 after inking a new deal during the summer. It will take extreme guts to fire him after 18 years at the club.

And, of course, Guardiola would need to become available around the same time. Jurgen Klopp has also been touted, per Martin Samuel of the Daily Mail, and right now, he would make a lot more sense than Guardiola. Borussia Dortmund are currently 15th in the Bundesliga, one point from the foot of the table and 17 behind leaders Bayern after just 11 matches. A change would perhaps best suit all involved.

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Wenger watched his side throw away a 3-0 lead to draw with Anderlecht and 1-0 advantage to lose against Swansea before the international break. Football writer Graham Ruthven believes such failures ensure he is under greater pressure than Louis van Gaal heading into the next game, per his Paddy Power blog:

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It is Louis Van Gaal, rather than Wenger, who has at least shown some progress in his pained efforts to build a title-challenging side even if the league table does not reflect so. If both men are to be judged on what they are setting in place for the future, the United boss comes out on top.

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B/R UK's Sam Tighe offered insight into how Arsenal can beat United:

Arsenal could be 15 points behind leaders Chelsea by the end of the weekend. Even a poor United side could go two ahead of the north London outfit. While it's premature to suggest Wenger will lose his job, speculation will certainly increase if he fails to overcome the Red Devils.

Guardiola's winning style would perhaps be a dream acquisition for many fans. Arsenal have needed a shake up for a long time, despite the recent FA Cup win, which is something Wenger doesn't currently provide with his predictable forays into the transfer market and inability to close out matches. Although a replacement of Guardiola's quality is craved, Wenger's grip on the club doesn't appear likely to ease for the foreseeable future.