Arsenal want Ronald Koeman to be Arsene Wenger’s successor and will challenge Barcelona to hire Everton boss
Luis Enrique will step down from Nou Camp post in the summer — and Dutchman will be in high demand
RONALD KOEMAN is Arsenal chiefs’ preferred option to succeed Arsene Wenger, according to reports.
The Dutchman has proved himself in the qualities the Gunners hierarchy are looking for.
He overachieved on a small budget at Southampton and financed his purchases with big-money sales and has improved Everton, buying smartly since replacing Roberto Martinez in the summer.
Arsenal are likely to face competition for Koeman from the Barcelona.
Luis Enrique has confirmed he will vacate the Nou Camp hotseat in the summer.
And former Barcelona hero, Koeman, is among the favourites to succeed him.
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The Toffees gaffer is an icon in Catalonia after the scoring the goal which clinched their first-ever European Cup in 1992.
But report Arsenal want Koeman if, as expected, Wenger stands down in the summer.
Max Allegri, Diego Simeone and Eddie Howe are among the other candidates touted to step into the Frenchman’s shoes.
Barcelona, meanwhile, have a habit of hiring people who know the club as their managers in recent times.
Pep Guardiola was a former captain and youth team boss, before being promoted to manager.
And he was replaced by his assistant, Tito Vilanova.
They then briefly tried a different route, as Tato Martino came next, but he struggled and left after 12 months.
Then, in 2014, they plumped for Enrique, despite a chequered managerial past.
Koeman’s Barcelona past gives him an edge, though he endured a torrid time in La Liga with Valencia and was forced to rebuild his reputation.
Laurent Blanc, Jorge Sampaoli and Ernesto Valverde are among the other candidates vying for the Nou Camp post.