LONDON - Arsene Wenger is prepared to snub huge offers from China to land a deal at another elite European club if he leaves Arsenal.
As revealed by Sportsmail last week, Wenger is giving serious consideration to his future after seeing his side’s season implode again. The uncertainty has alerted a host of clubs around the world to his potential availability.
The Chinese Super League have made discreet overtures about adding Wenger to their high-profile roster of managers that includes Manuel Pellegrini, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Andre Villas-Boas.
Wenger, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is also attracting interest from cash-rich clubs in the Middle East.
A move to China or the Middle East would see Wenger offered deals worth considerably more than the £8million-per-year he earns at the Emirates.
However, the Frenchman would prefer to remain in Europe, where his reputation is intact despite Arsenal’s lack of silverware.
Sportsmail understands Wenger was considered by Real Madrid following Rafa Benitez’s departure last season. Wenger was made aware of the interest, though the Spanish club eventually appointed Zinedine Zidane.Jobs could also crop up at Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
Unai Emery, despite beating Barca 4-0 in the Champions League, is under pressure in Paris as his side struggle to keep pace with Ligue 1 leaders Monaco. And Luis Enrique has refused to confirm whether he will stay at Barcelona beyond the summer, when his deal expires.
Both roles would appeal to Wenger, 67, though signing a new two-year deal at the Emirates Stadium remains his first option. However, Wenger is a divisive figure among supporters and signing a deal will only serve to fuel the growing disquiet surrounding his role.
Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla has now been ruled out for the season with a long-term ankle injury, as predicted in Sportsmail last month.