Arsene Wenger triggers £7.6m offer from China and interest from Real Madrid by announcing January return to management
The 68-year-old ended his 22-year reign at Arsenal at the end of last season
ARSENE WENGER admits he is ready to return to management in January — and Real Madrid are monitoring his situation.
Wenger is also weighing up an offer from Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande, who are ready to hand the Frenchman a two-year deal worth £7.6million.
The former Arsenal boss has spent some time away from football after ending his 22-year reign with the Gunners in May — but is now eyeing a 2019 revival.
Wenger, 68, has always admired Madrid — who are currently struggling under new coach Julen Lopetegui — and was linked with the Spanish giants after his early success in north London.
And Wenger revealed: “I believe that (I will) start again on January 1. I don't know where yet. I feel rested and am ready to work again.
“From my 22 years at Arsenal, I have big experience on different levels. There are enquiries from all over the world.
“There are associations, national teams, it could be also in Japan.”
Wenger had a one-year spell in Asia with Nagoya Grampus Eight in 1995 before heading to Arsenal — and could be swayed to manage on the continent again to tackle the Chinese Super League.
Guangzhou Evergrande, currently managed by Italian World Cup Winner Fabio Cannavaro, are the most valuable football team in China at £215m.
They have also won the last seven CSL titles — and their squad includes on-loan Barcelona midfielder Paulinho.
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Wenger also believes Mesut Ozil should reconsider his decision to retire from the German national side, and believes the midfield maestro will not be the same player without international football.
Speaking to German paper BILD, he added: “Germany needs Ozil. I hope that (manager) Joachim Low can convince him that he will come back," Wenger said.
"Ozil is a super football player, was not the worst in the World Cup. I did not love that he left the German national team.
"I love it when the players are as good as possible. He loses a bit if he does not play at an international level.";