Manchester City Target Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger has been identified by Manchester City as their first choice to replace doomed Mark Hughes.

The Arsenal boss has emerged as the prime target for City’s Middle East owners in their bid to turn the club into one of the giants of the world game.

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, Croatia coach Slaven Bilic and even Diego Maradona are also on the shortlist being drafted by the Abu Dhabi money men.

But it is Wenger who heads the pack as far as City are concerned, with the Eastlands outfit preparing to make their move and give him the financial freedom to change the club from top to bottom.

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A well-placed source confirmed: “The people who own City have a big respect for Arsene and what he has done at Arsenal.

They do have the same respect for Jose Mourinho and have indicated that Bilic would be another option but Arsene is the man they want.”

Although there has been no direct contact so far, Wenger is understood to be aware of the interest in his services, which represents a further step towards the end of Hughes’ reign.

City’s financial backers believe the Frenchman represents exactly the sort of world-class coach who will attract international superstars to the club and are willing to bend over backwards to meet Wenger’s expectations.

( Martin Lipton & Darren Lewis / Mirror )