Arsenal considers swapping Wenger for Hoffenheim boss

Hoffenheim manager Julian Nagelsmann has emerged as another contender to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal manager.

Sportsmail reported on Monday that Arsenal have drawn up a shortlist of bosses who could replace Wenger if his 22-year reign finishes at the end of the season.

Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers and Germany chief Joachim Low are on the list and, according to The Star, so is the 30-year-old Nagelsmann.

He became the youngest manager in Bundesliga history aged 28 when he took over at Hoeffenheim in February 2016.

The German side were then 17th in the Bundesliga standings, battling to avoid relegation, when Nagelsmann was appointed but he led them to safety with seven wins from 14.

The following season, Hoffenhim finished fourth and reached the Champions League for the first time in their history, only to lose in the third qualifying round to Liverpool at Anfield. They are currently ninth in the Bundesliga.
Sportsmail understands there is growing support among Arsenal’s power-brokers for Wenger to leave north London at the end of this season. The club is looking to Germany for managers.

An end-of-season review will be key as to whether Wenger is given the chance to stay for another campaign. It leaves him facing serious questions about what has so far been a below-par season.

Much will depend on whether he can lead the club back into the Champions League, although achieving that feat will not be the only factor. A route back into Europe’s elite looks most likely through Europa League glory, with the Gunners currently 10 points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham.

Manchester City coach, Mikel Arteta, a former Arsenal captain, and Monaco manager, Leonardo Jardim are also on a list of potential replacements.