Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger not looking for other jobs despite Barcelona vacancy

Arsene Wenger remains hopeful he can stick with Arsenal but would respect the club’s decision if they decide to part ways amid links with the Barcelona job.

Wenger was named as a potential candidate after Luis Enrique confirmed he would be stepping down from his position as manager at the end of the season.

The Frenchman is running down his contract at the Emirates and speculation is mounting that his time in north London could finally be up.

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Enrique’s timely departure would offer him the chance to jump straight into the dugout at the Nou Camp but he faces stiff competition for the post.

Sevilla’s Jorge Sampaoli, Athletic Bilbao’s Ernesto Valverde and Premier League bosses Ronald Koeman and Mauricio Pochettino are all in the running for the job.

However, Wenger quizzed over the Barcelona rumours on Thursday morning ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Liverpool this weekend.

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He said: “No my preference [to stay at Arsenal] is always the same, it will remain the same.

“I am not looking for jobs of other clubs or jobs of other people. I am just focusing on getting to the next level and try to improve. Competent managers always try to get better, to reinvent themselves.”

“I’ve been here 20 years and many times had opportunity to leave.

“I don’t have to convince you my preference has always been Arsenal… but I am objective enough to make the right decision for myself and the club itself.

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“The club can also make their decision if it wants and I will respect that.”

Wenger revealed that Aaron Ramsey and Laurent Koscielny have returned to full training and are in contention to face Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.

Mohamed Elneny has an ankle injury and is expected to be out of action for three weeks.