Leonardo Jardim is reportedly keen on replacing Arsene Wenger at the Emirates after the manager was placed on a short-list of possible candidates following the club almost appointing him manager last summer.

Phew.

According to a report in the Independent, Arsenal were prepared to make Jardim their manager in the summer before Arsene Wenger signed a new two-year deal.

Jardim is reportedly ‘hugely admired’ at the club for the way he improved Monaco although this is relatively obvious rather than any indication of inside knowledge.

It is clear at this point to absolutely everybody that Arsene Wenger needs to leave his role as Arsenal manager this summer, at the latest. Jardim is believed to want a new challenge and he would certainly get that at Arsenal.

The manager, however, is adamant he will see out his contract while claiming he is just an employee.

“I have been here for 21 years and I always respected my contract,” he said.

Wenger's face during a post-match interview before Arsenal signed Mesut Ozil in 2013
Wenger smirk

“What is above you?” he asked the journalist questioning him about his future. “You will not decide your future in your newspapers, and I am exactly like you. I am an employee and I give my best for my club that I love.”

The board, meanwhile, seem so paralysed by fear over making the wrong decision they appear content to let things continue to play out without taking any direct action they can be held accountable for.