Chelsea’s search for a potential manager have been handed a blow with the new that Luis Enrique is stalling on agreeing to become their new manager.
The Blues are widely expected to relieve Antonio Conte of his duties at the end of the season after a largely disappointing campaign which has seen them struggling in fifth place and humbled by Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.
Former Barca boss Luis Enrique is the favourite with the bookmakers to take over at Stamford Bridge in the summer, with some reports suggesting talks between the club and the Spaniard having already taken place.
However, according to the Sunday Star, Enrique is now stalling as he waits to find out what is going to happen at Arsenal regarding the future of Arsene Wenger.
The Gunners boss has been under intense pressure from both the fans and the media after a disappointing season which has left them 13 points behind North London rivals Tottenham who currently occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualifying position.
They have virtually no chance of qualifying for the Champions League via their league position, but still harbour hopes of making it through their Europa League campaign.
It is claimed that Enrique, who has taken a year out of the game, would prefer to make his return to football management at the Emirates rather than at Stamford Bridge due of Chelsea’s reputation for constantly hiring and firing their managers.
Arsenal’s possession based style of play under Wenger would also be closer to Enrique’s Barcelona based ideologies, rather than the brand of football that is served up by Chelsea.
Enrique is also a target for PSG who are likely to part company with Unai Emery after failing to reach the Champions League quarter finals despite making huge financial commitments last summer.