Ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger favourite to become Bayern manager after Ralf Rangnick ‘turns down job’
ARSENE Wenger is on course for a sensational return to management with Bayern Munich after frontrunner for the job Ralf Rangnick refused to enter talks about taking over.
Reports in Germany state Rangnick, currently Red Bull's head of football development, does not see himself as the man to sort the Bundesliga champions.
According to the former RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim coach's agent, the 61-year-old is not what Bayern are looking for.
Marc Kosicke told : "No, Rangnick is not available.
"We don't believe that what Rangnick brings is currently being sought by Bayern, and that's why it makes no sense to hold concrete talks."
Therefore Wenger steps into the picture as an option until the end of the season.
Ladbrokes have the Frenchman as the 1/2 odds-on favourite to take over.
Back at 5/1 is Jose Mourinho, a surely sensational appointment if picked for the club, with caretaker boss Hansi Flick an 8/1 option.
The ex-Arsenal manager, now 70, admitted on Tuesday night that he is keen on replacing Niko Kovac following the Croat's dismissal.
Bild expect the German giants to then push for either Ajax boss Erik ten Hag or Paris Saint-Germain's Thomas Tuchel in the summer.
On the prospect of taking charge at Allianz Arena, Wenger said: "Coaching is what was my whole life until now. Everybody who has coached will tell you the same.
"You miss the intensity but some things you miss a lot, some things you don't miss. But on the other hand, football games, winning football games, preparing the team for the game, and getting satisfaction and shared emotions. That is something that you miss.
"So of course, yes. I was responsible from 33 years of age and I coached until 69 without interruption, and at a top level, it's 36 years without stopping.
"Even if I miss it, to get out of that pressure for a year was not too bad for me. People who know me well say I'm more relaxed - and it's true."
The report does note, however, that Manchester United and Rangnick are considered a good match and he could potentially replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer if things don't improve at Old Trafford.