Arsenal: Barcelona Must Be Tempting, Even For Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger stated that he is not interested in the soon-to-be-vacant Barcelona job. But surely he must be tempted to leave Arsenal for the Spanish giants.

Arsene Wenger has been unwavering, uncompromisingly faithful, steadfast in his support of Arsenal football club. While he was hired as a nobody, throughout a vastly successful first decade in North London, he would quickly arise as one of the leading minds in football.

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As such, he has been touted for many jobs throughout his 21-year tenure. Real Madrid have made offers, as have Paris Saint-Germain, and the French national job has always hung over his career as a possible destination also.

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But Wenger rejected every advance in favour of a club crippled by financial restrictions thanks to a move to the Emirates. There is a feeling that Wenger felt responsible in finalising the aftermath of the stadium move, ensuring that he left, whenever that may be, with the club in a far more stable and prosperous position than when he came. However, thanks to his recent struggles and a contract that expires in the summer, there have been suggestions that he will depart in the summer. Opportune timing for the impending vacancy at Barcelona, many have thought.

When asked about the possibility of taking the position at the Catalan club if offered to him, in his pre-match press conference before the trip to Anfield, Wenger was adamant that his first choice is to stay in North London:

"“No my preference has always been the same and will remain the same. I am not looking for jobs in other clubs or other people’s jobs. I just focus on me getting to the next level and trying to improve. I’ve been here for 20 years and had the opportunity many times to leave. My preference has always been Arsenal, but I am objective and lucid enough to make the right decision for myself and the club.”"

While I have no reason to believe that Wenger is lying, it is hard to imagine that the chance of working with the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Andres Iniesta, Luis Suarez – who he even tried to sign from Liverpool before he joined the Spanish giants – Sergio Busquets and the war chest that he would be given there is not a temptation for him.

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It would be a great shame if he did indeed leave Arsenal this summer. The club would have to make major changes in order to deal with his exit. However, Barcelona must be tempting to take, right?