Arsenal have reportedly moved away from hiring Luis Enrique as their manager according to a report in The Times [£].

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BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 08: Luis Enrique manager of Barcelona celebrates as Sergi Roberto of Barcelona scores their sixth goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou on March 8, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 08: Luis Enrique manager of Barcelona celebrates as Sergi Roberto of Barcelona scores their sixth goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou on March 8, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Read on for assessments of 2 Italian managers who could save Arsenal a lot of money

The Spaniard was said to be Arsenal’s preferred candidate to replace Arsene Wenger at the end of the season but late last week we reported that it seemed Chelsea had moved into pole position for the former Barcelona man.

The Times report that the bookmakers still have Enrique as favourite for the Arsenal job but that Arsenal’s senior executives see him as an ‘inappropriate fit to the position’.

His reported demands of £15m-a-year, more than double the £7m-a-year he earned at Barcelona, is also said to be an issue.

The Times also writes, “A Champions League and double La Liga winner before stepping down as Barca coach last year, Enrique would have been expensive, with his salary demands exceeding the pay of the man Arsenal invited to step down at the end of this season. More importantly, it is felt that Enrique’s self-absorbed approach to management would not mesh with the London club’s restructuring strategy. The 47-year-old does, however, remain a strong candidate to replace Antonio Conte as Chelsea coach.”

Arsenal’s shortlist is now said to stretch to more than 10 names with conversations underway with the reps of a number of candidates before formal interviews are set up as Arsenal continue to take their time.

Maurizio Sarri is apparently one name on the list, despite the Telegraph claiming, ridiculously, that Arsenal had ruled out a move for an Italian. Not just that Italian, but any Italian.

Finally, The Times report that Arsenal want an ‘elegant individual’ which rules out the likes of Diego Simeone. They also want someone who will help guide youngsters into the first team and will represent the ‘correct public face of the club’.

Next, 2 perfect Italian managers for Arsenal assessed…

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