Carlo Ancelotti ‘eyes Arsenal job’ as only position to tempt him back into management this season
Italian plans on spending the rest of the campaign out of football after being sacked by Bayern Munich
CARLO ANCELOTTI will only be tempted to return to management this season if Arsenal come calling, according to reports.
Bayern Munich axed the Italian manager after Wednesday's humiliating 3-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
AC Milan are said to be lining Ancelotti, 58, up for a sensational return to the club he led to two European titles in 2003 and 2007.
But Mediaset Premium claim he plans on snubbing that offer and taking the rest of the season off - unless he is offered Arsene Wenger's job.
Wenger signed a two-year contract extension in May following a disastrous season in which fans were calling for his head.
Ancelotti won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2010 but was sacked the following season after leading them to second place, with Andre Villas-Boas replacing him.
Wenger insisted he will "never forget" the "disgraceful" criticism he faced last term.
He said: "I love this club and I am looking forward to the future with optimism and excitement.
Latest Arsenal news
"We are looking at what we do well and how we can be stronger everywhere.
"We’re committed to mounting a sustained league challenge and that will be our focus this summer and next season.
⚽ Ian Wright's Premier League Tips ⚽
Former striker Ian Wright selects his top tips for Saturday's action.
"Romelu Lukaku has started exactly as you’d want a £75m signing to start.
"Not only has he scored a load of goals but he’s also silenced those questioning his link-up play and the first touch.
"He’s the only player in my mind when it comes to the first goalscorer market - and I fancy United to get loads againsrt Crystal Palace."
"I am grateful to have the support of the board and Stan [Kroenke] in doing everything we can to win more trophies.
"It’s what we all want and I know it’s what our fans around the world demand."
Willy Sagnol has taken over at Bayern on a temporary basis.
Ancelotti thanked the Bundesliga club for his time in charge, in which he won the league and two DFL Supercups.
He tweeted: "It has been a great honour to form part of Bayern's history. I would like the thank the club, the players and its amazing fans."
Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: "The performance of our team since the start of the season did not meet the expectations we put to them.
"I would like to thank Carlo for his cooperation. Carlo is my friend and will remain my friend, but we had to make a professional decision. The game in Paris clearly showed that we had to draw consequences."
