Ernesto Valverde Says He Is Open to Premier League Move Amid Arsenal Rumours

Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde, one of the favourites to replace Luis Enrique at Barcelona next season, has admitted he could one day coach in the Premier League amid links with Arsenal.

As reported by MailOnline's Alex Martin, he was asked about recent speculation he could replace Arsene Wenger and left the possibility open:

"

I've already coached abroad and for me it was an enriching experience. It was extraordinary.

I do not know what is going to happen in the future but it's not a personal target to go to one place or another.

We will see if I go [to the Premier League] now, soon or never. We'll see what happens in the future.

"

Valverde spent time in Greece with Olimpiacos before he joined Athletic. The spell abroad was his best as a manager, as he guided the team to three Greek titles.

As reported by Football Espana, Barcelona had to deny recent rumours the club is already negotiating with Valverde, who has frequently been linked with the job since Enrique announced he will step down at the end of the season. 

Other candidates include include Sevilla's Jorge Sampaoli, Everton's Ronald Koeman and Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone, according to The Independent.

Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

The reports linking Valverde with Arsenal are fairly recent in comparison. The Gunners could finally part ways with Wenger at the end of this campaign following yet another disappointing season in the Premier League and heartbreak in Europe.

Valverde would be a shock replacement, as the 53-year-old has only had mixed results in his latest stint with Bilbao so far. He's only won a single Supercopa de Espana since his spell with Olympiacos, and Barcelona fans preferred other options than the former Blaugrana forward in a series of recent polls, per Sport.

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