ARSENAL have made contact with RB Leipzig boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.
SunSport can reveal the Austrian, 49, confirmed his interest in the Gunners job.
But Arsenal are expected to have competition for his services, not least from other Bundesliga clubs.
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Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is also a possible candidate who Gunners chiefs admire.
While Dennis Bergkamp and Diego Simeone are outside runners for the job at 12-1.
Arsene Wenger’s deal expires at the end of the season and there have been no talks as yet of extending it, even though that would be the club’s preferred option.
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It is understood Arsenal chiefs favour a move to a head coach model should Wenger leave his post as manager - bringing them into line with other top clubs.
That would suit Hasenhuttl, who has flourished in the role under the guidance of RB Leipzig's sporting director and ex-boss Ralf Rangnick.
Should Wenger decide he wants to leave the dugout, he will be offered the chance to mentor his successor.
Hasenhuttl is relatively unknown in England but, then again, so was Wenger when he joined the Gunners from Naguya Grampus Eight in 1996.
The Austrian, known as the Alpine Mourinho for his animated and passionate touchline behaviour, began coaching 14 years ago at Bayern's academy and is well known to the club's bosses.
With RB Leipzig leading Bayern in the table, there is already talk of a possible return, prompting Arsenal to make their interest known.
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