BRENDAN RODGERS is Arsenal’s top choice for the vacant manager’s role – and the Leicester boss would shake things up in North London.
The current side is far from good enough to challenge for the title and is struggling once again to make the top-four.
How Rodgers might set up his Gunners side if handed a healthy transfer budget
In the event of Arsenal pulling off the coup of landing Rodgers, he will no doubt be considering heading back to Leicester for his first signings.
James Maddison has long been linked with a move away from the King Power and would slot seamlessly into the Gunners’ ideal style of play.
An ambitious, attacking setup would see the England international play in behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with Mesut Ozil dropped deep to partner Matteo Guendouzi in midfield.
But while Rodgers favours technical players down the middle, the success of Raheem Sterling and Scott Sinclair in his former teams outlines his love of pacey wingers.
That would mean a reprieve for Nicolas Pepe down one flank with Philippe Coutinho an ideal option for the other side.
Struggling on loan at Bayern Munich, the Brazilian was signed by Rodgers at Liverpool and developed impressively under the manager.
BIG TIERN-OVER
If Arsenal are genuine about bringing in the Northern Irishman, they would likely have to pledge to some serious spending and that will mean a further revamp in defence.
Hector Bellerin, Bernd Leno and Kieran Tierney – who excelled at Celtic under Rodgers – should all keep their place.
But David Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis Papastathopoulos must be looking over their shoulder whoever comes in to replace Unai Emery.
Standout Leicester centre-back Caglar Soyuncu is already being linked with Manchester City, potentially opening his eyes to an exit and switch to Arsenal, while Celtic star Kristoffer Ajer is ripe for a move to the Premier League.
Leicester are reported to hold a £14million release clause on the 46-year-old’s contract.
Following the win over Everton on Sunday, Rodgers called the speculation “hypothetical” and insisted he was focused on the Foxes.
He told reporters: “Listen, there are probably clauses in most managers’ contracts.
“It’s all hypothetical. We got a brilliant win. We came back very well.
“My focus is very much with Leicester. I made a change eight, nine months ago. I feel so happy. We still have a lot of work to do.
“I’ve been very fortunate to work with some brilliant clubs and great institutions. The ambition was to help the club to arrive in the top six.”
Brendan Rodgers open door to Arsenal as he confirms exit clause in Leicester City contract
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
