Arsene Wenger comes in as one of favourites to take over at AC Milan and link up with old Arsenal pal Ivan Gazidis
ARSENE WENGER has emerged as one of the favourite to replace Gennaro Gattuso as AC Milan boss.
And the Frenchman might have an advantage over the other front-runners – his previous experience working with Ivan Gazidis.
South African-born Gazidis left his chief executive role with the Gunners to take the same position with the Serie A giants.
He had spent 10 years with the Londoners, which meant he worked almost his full tenure with Wenger before Unai Emery took over.
Wenger’s odds to take the big job at AC Milan have come in from 20-1 to 7/1 with Paddy Power.
Also in the betting is Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi, Marco Giampaolo (both 7/2), Leonardo Jardim (11/2), Max Allegri (7/1), Eusebio Di Francesco (10/1).
While Antonio Conte and Carlo Ancelotti are rated less likely (both 20/1).
Next AC Milan manager - odds
7/2 Simone Inzaghi
7/2 Marco Giampaolo
11/2 Leonardo Jardim
7/1 Arsene Wenger (in from 20/1)
7/1 Max Allegri
10/1 Eusebio Di Francesco
10/1 Gian Piero Gasperini
16/1 Christophe Galtier
20/1 Antonio Conte
20/1 Carlo Ancelotti
25/1 Thomas Tuchel
A spokesperson for Paddy Power said: “The departure of Gattuso from AC Milan this morning has seen the odds fall sharply on Wenger taking over, to link back up with Gazidis and get back into management.
“While Simone Inzaghi and Marco Giampaolo are our joint-favourites, Wenger is our biggest mover in the market by far.”
SunSport reported early Tuesday morning that Gattuso has called it a day at the Allianz.
The Rossoneri finished 22 points behind Serie A winners Juventus down in fifth and missed out on Champions League qualification.
Gattuso told Republica: “Deciding to leave Milan’s bench is not easy. But it’s a decision I had to make.
“There was not a precise moment in which I decided it: it was the sum of these 18 months as coach of a team that for me will never be like the others.
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“Months that I lived with great passion, unforgettable months. It is a painful but thoughtful choice.
“Am I giving up a two-year contract? Yes, because my story with Milan can never be a question of money.”
Various media outlets in Italy reported that it was after talks with CEO and former Arsenal chief Gazidis that led to him making the decision.