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Arsene Wenger’s Next Permanent Job Favored to Be France at +350 Odds

Josh Ricker

by Josh Ricker in Soccer News

Updated Mar 16, 2021 · 8:45 AM PDT

Arsenal
Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, centre, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Leeds United at the Emirates stadium in London, England, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021. (Catherine Ivill/Pool via AP)
  • Arsene Wenger has been out of work in football for two years since departing Arsenal, whom he managed for 22 seasons
  • The Frenchman is favored for a return back to coaching with a variety of teams showing interest
  • Currently, Wenger is favored to take on the France Men’s National Team at +350 odds

Arsene Wenger revolutionized Premier League football in the 2000s. His early Arsenal teams were literally invincible, and the Frenchman managed to win three Premier League trophies, and seven FA Cups during his two-decade tenure at the London club. While things went sour his last few years there, he was able to step down gracefully from his position in 2018.

Now after doing a spell in punditry, Wenger is back on the job market. There were short rumors of a possible return to Arsenal after Unai Emery’s tumultuous spell came to a close. However, that was shut down when the club hired Manchester City assistant Mikel Arteta to take the reigns. Despite no Premier League side being favored to take him on, there are some seriously big sides that might be seeking his skills at the season’s close, whenever that might be.

Odds on Arsene Wenger’s Next Permanent Job

Odds on Arsene Wenger’s Next Permanent Job Odds
France +350
PSG +600
Any Chinese Club +700
Real Madrid +800
Any MLS Club +800
England +900
Monaco +1000
Barcelona +1000
Marseille +1200

Odds taken Mar. 26

Wenger Will Stay Away From England

Throughout the 70-year-old’s managerial career, he has only held four different head coaching positions. He has led Nancy, Monaco, Nagoya Grampus Eight, and Arsenal. This is important because he has only managed in France, Japan and England, which could influence where he goes next. A move to England is probably out of the question now, as Wenger will probably turn down any move out of respect for his former club.

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With that being said, a move to a French side or the French national team would heavily suit him. Wenger could be swayed by a Chinese club, but that would only be for a large paycheck coming back his way. Real Madrid and England seem both to be a little far-fetched as Zinedine Zidane and Gareth Southgate are well-liked at their respective positions. Nevertheless, a move to the MLS, Monaco, Barcelona or Marseille is not out of the question.

Expect a Move to France, But Not the National Team

While the French National Team might be the best job for Wenger, it probably will not happen. Didier Deschamps just won the World Cup, and has an extremely good shot at winning the Euros when they take place next summer. It doesn’t seem likely the FFF will want to change direction with two massive tournaments coming up in back-to-back years.

However, PSG seems oddly likely. Thomas Tuchel has struggled to gain control of his star-studded side featuring the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, and Edinson Cavani. While progressing in the Champions League, his feud with Mbappe on the touchline points to him leaving the club this summer, especially if the Parisians want to keep their hands on the 21-year-old sensation.

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If Wenger were to take his talents to Paris, it is likely that the young group of players would look up to him. Having managed stars like Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Dennis Bergkamp, he knows how to control big personalities in a dressing room with a lot of pressure.

It would be a move that would take him back to France and is a for a team that could give him the paycheck he wants and deserves. At +600 odds, it is not the favorite, but surely has a massive amount of value and is the most likely.

My Pick: PSG (+600)

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