BRENDAN RODGERS would take the Arsenal job “in a heartbeat” according to beIN Sports presenter Richard Keys.
The Gunners are on the lookout for a new boss after Unai Emery was sacked.
Brendan Rodgers is being linked with the vacant manager’s job at ArsenalCredit: Getty
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Freddie Ljungberg has taken interim charge, and while the Swede is the favourite to land the job full-time with the bookies, Rodgers has been touted as an early contender.
Former Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta, now a coach at Manchester City, is also believed to be on the shortlist.
Ex-Liverpool and Celtic boss Rodgers is working wonders at Leicester and has them well and truly in the Premier League title race.
And according to former Sky Sports presenter Keys, the Arsenal job is the one Rodgers, who told Sky Sports about a release fee in his Leicester contract at the weekend, “covets”.
Richard Keys says that he knows Brendan Rodgers has previously ‘coveted’ the Arsenal jobCredit: Chris Eades – The Sun
In his personal blog Keys said: ‘[Mikel] Arteta would be more of a gamble than Rodgers, who did nothing in his interview with Geoff Shreeves to deter Arsenal from making an approach.
“In fact, he did quiet the opposite. He’d take the job in a heartbeat – and now if he had to. And he’d be right as well.
“I’ve mentioned my taxi ride with him before. He was with us here at beIN SPORTS after losing his job at Liverpool.
“I won’t go into detail, but during the journey back to his hotel, he left me with absolutely no doubt that Arsenal’s was the job he coveted, but he had to be careful how he got there.”
LEICESTER’S INCREDIBLE FORM
Despite Keys’ affirmations, Rodgers has poured cold water on speculation of a potential mid-season switch to managerless Arsenal.
Rodgers said: “I have a contract here until 2022.
“I gave an honest answer about how all managers have some sort of clause in their contracts and suddenly that seems to have thrown a door wide open.
“Thus far I know managers are losing their jobs, the club have not indicated to me that they are going to sack me. I’m very happy so would have no need to look elsewhere.”
Leicester’s form has been remarkable with 16 wins and four draws from their 25 league games under the former Liverpool and Celtic boss.
They are second in the league with 32 points from 14 games, eight points behind leaders Liverpool.
He added: “Why would I want to leave Leicester at this time? I’m working with a group of players who have so much potential.
“For me, I repeat, I’m very happy here. I feel I want to continue with that. Take from that what you want.”
Brendan Rodgers open door to Arsenal as he confirms exit clause in Leicester City contract
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
