WOLVES manager Nuno Espirito Santo has refused to rule out becoming the next Arsenal boss.
Nuno has emerged as one of 12 candidates on a shortlist to take over at the Emirates after Unai Emery was sacked last week and Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg was put in interim charge.
Nuno Espirito Santo could swap Molineux for the EmiratesCredit: Reuters
At his latest press conference Wolves boss Nuno would not be drawn on reports linking him with the Arsenal vacancy.
He said: “We live day by day. Specifically, I live hour by hour.
“I know what I have to do next and I still have a lot of work to do.
“I still have a contract and I live on a daily basis.
“For me, it’s more important I focus on what I have to do today and how we prepare for the game [against West Ham].”
Nuno has guided the Black Country club to promotion from the Championship and to seventh in the Premier League since taking over in 2017.
Wolves qualified for a European competition for the first time in 39 years after their seventh-placed finish earned them a spot in the Europa League this season.
Last week’s 3-3 draw away in Braga ensured they progressed into the last 32 of the tournament, an achievement that should further enhance Nuno’s reputation.
West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini called on Nuno to reject any potential interest from Arsenal and stay at Wolves.
He said: “I don’t think a serious manager can leave a club for another during the season.
“That’s what I think. So, for me, I think it would be strange.
“Maybe it’s honour, responsibility. Maybe it is easier for you to be sacked.
“But for me I will never leave a club because I have a better option in a good moment.”
However, Arsenal are unlikely to make an approach for Nuno as The Times report that the Portuguese coach, 45, is not the right “fit or profile” for the club.
Some Arsenal fans voiced their displeasure at rumours linking Nuno to the club, citing the fact he didn’t have the right “DNA”.
They tweeted: “Nuno? Are we that desperate? We need someone who has Arsenal DNA” @OfficialVieira @m8arteta #WeAreTheArsenal.”
Nuno favours playing five at the back and some fans fear he would make the Gunners too defensive and organised, only focusing on counter-attacks rather than taking the initiative in games.
Nuno has slipped out to sixth favourite with the bookies and is now 8/1 to become Arsenal’s next permanent manager.
Ljungberg is 4/1 to get the job full-time and former Juventus manager Max Allegri is the same price.
Ex-Arsenal player and Manchester City assistant coach Mikel Arteta is 5/1, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers 7/1 and ex-Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is 8/1 to controversially cross the North London divide.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
