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Luis Enrique’s wage demands revealed as former Barcelona boss emerges as favourite for vacant Arsenal job
Luis Enrique is likely to want around £15m-a-year to replace Arsene Wenger as Arsenal boss.
The Gunners are on the lookout for a new manager after Wenger announced he would be walking away at the end of the season.
Former Barcelona boss Enrique is on Arsenal’s radar while Chelsea are also interested in the Spaniard replacing Antonio Conte.
Mirror Football revealed earlier this week that Arsenal believes they would have the edge over Chelsea due to his link with Raul Sanllehi.
The sticking point could be Enrique’s wages, with the 47-year-old wanting close to £15m-a-year.
Pep Guardiola is currently the highest-paid boss in the Premier League, although he is close to signing a new deal worth almost £20m-a-year.
Jose Mourinho currently pockets around £15m-a-year at United and Enrique wants to earn close to the big name bosses.
Those wages would be new territory for Arsenal but Sanllehi believes it is a hurdle they can overcome.
Sanllehi joined Arsenal in February having been director of football at Barcelona when Enrique was a manager.
Premier League highest-paid managers
1. Pep Guardiola (Manchester City) – £15.3m
2. Jose Mourinho (Manchester United) – £15m
3. Arsene Wenger (Arsenal) – £8.9m
4. Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool) – £7m
5. Antonio Conte (Chelsea) – £6.5m
Enrique is the most likely option if Arsenal go for a big name, with Monaco’s Leonardo Jardim, Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers and Germany coach Joachim Loew the other alternatives
Arsenal may also be tempted to go for a younger appointment in a head coach role, which would suit former captain Mikel Arteta and Hoffenheim chief Julian Nagelsmann.