Arsenal could be set for a managerial battle, with reports revealing contact between representatives of Chelsea and former Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel.
According to Chief Football Writer at German publication Bild, Christian Falk, Thomas Tuchel has held negotiations with Chelsea and PSG. The former Borussia Dortmund manager has been touted to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal. But, the Gunners could now face competition from Chelsea, who are searching for a potential replacement for Antonio Conte.
Because of many requests about our investigations on the future of @TTuchelofficial – @ChelseaFC: negotations confirmed ✅ @PSG_inside: negotations confirmed ✅ @Arsenal: Tuchel was on the Shortlist of the club ✅ negotations NOT confirmed ❌ @SPORTBILD
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) March 27, 2018
Thomas Tuchel took over from Jurgen Klopp at Dortmund, and while he was unable to replicate the success that the current Liverpool manager had achieved at the club, Tuchel kept Dortmund competitive within the league and in Europe. During his two-year reign at the club, Dortmund won the German Cup once and reached the final in the other.
As far as the league is concerned, Tuchel’s first season saw Dortmund finish second on the table, but the final season was a major disappointment, despite finishing third at the end of the season. The two parted company, with Peter Bosz being announced as the successor.
Tuchel has since been without a club. But, the manager could be set to enter the English battleground – a league that already boasts of managers like Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Rafa Benitez and many more. Arsene Wenger and Antonio Conte are also there, but are being touted to leave their respective jobs at Arsenal and Chelsea.
The two clubs are looking for replacements now. And Tuchel’s name has popped up on the list. Arsenal’s interest in Tuchel does make sense from the fact that his footballing philosophy could work wonders at Emirates while it would not take too much transition to adapt to his tactical style, compared to Wenger’s.
But, according to Christian Falk, Arsenal have not had any contact with Tuchel, despite maintaining interest. In fact, it is Chelsea and French heavyweights PSG, who have held negotiations with the manager and his representatives and could be primed to move for Tuchel, if they make the German their primary target.
Thomas Tuchel has said no to the Bayern job, so where is he going? Arsenal? Chelsea? PSG?
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— TotallyFootballShow (@TheTotallyShow) March 26, 2018
Reputed journalist Raphael Honigstein confirmed Chelsea’s interest in Tuchel on the Totally Football Show, stating that the manager had met with Chelsea negotiator Marina Granovskaia.
Arsenal and Chelsea both look for a new manager. But, Arsenal’s task to replace Wenger will be herculean – as already evidenced by Manchester United’s attempts at replacing Sir Alex Ferguson. Tuchel though, looks primed to manage a top European team, be it Arsenal, Chelsea, PSG or some other giant.
