Pep Guardiola wanted to join Arsenal before moving to Bayern Munich but Arsene Wenger decided to sign new deal

ARSENAL rejected the chance to replace Arsene Wenger with Pep Guardiola.

The Spanish boss was reportedly desperate take over the helm at the Emirates after leaving Barcelona according to talkSPORT.

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But Stan Kroenke, the owner of Arsenal, opted to extend the Frenchman's contract at the club instead of taking the gamble with Guardiola.

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The now-Manchester City boss then joined Bayern Munich where he won three league titles and two domestic cups.

Speaking to Jim White, journalist Matt Scott said: "I know this for a fact. He was after the Arsenal job, that was after he left Barcelona. He was on his sabbatical.

"His first job after he came back wouldn't have been Bayern Munich, it would have been Arsenal.

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"Instead the board extended Arsene Wenger's contract. He [Guardiola] said 'if I were to make myself available to Arsenal would you have me?'

"The board didn't respond.

"Arsene Wenger is perfect for Stan Kroenke because he is not going to put pressure on money. He will not spend money if he was told not to spend."

AP:Associated Press

PA:Press Association

Wenger's future at the Emirates is hanging in the balance after watching his side suffer a humiliating 5-1 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich.

The Frenchman's contract runs out at the end of the season when Wenger will then decide whether he will want to stay on and add to his 21-year tenure.