Arsenal have apparently approached Athletic Bilbao manager, Ernesto Valverde, over replacing Arsene Wenger.

• Ernesto Valverde has been in charge at Bilbao since 2013
• Arsenal board stalling over new Wenger contract
• Valverde’s contract with Bilbao runs out at the end of the season
• He’s a long-time admirer of Premier League
• Thomas Tuchel & Max Allegri have also been linked with Arsenal job

Another Arsenal defeat; another manager’s name gets thrown into the hat.

For a few weeks, it’s looked as if Wenger will be staying in north London following the expiration of his current deal at the end of the season. However, since the humiliating 3-0 loss away to Crystal Palace, rumours that the Frenchman could be heading towards the exit have begun to hot up once again.

The latest manager to be linked with potentially replacing Wenger is Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Bilbao boss.

According to the S*n , as well as reports emerging from Spain, Arsenal have already contracted Valverde over coming to north London and the 53-year-old has now become favourite to land the job behind Thomas Tuchel, Leonardo Jardim, Massimiliano Allegri and Eddie Howe.

The La Liga boss’ contract with Bilbao runs out at the end of the season, leading the former forward to also be linked with the Barcelona job once Luis Enrique leaves.

Although there are reportedly talks with his current club over him staying, apparently, Valverde admires the Premier League.