Arsene Wenger blocked Arsenal’s approach for Pep Guardiola in 2016

Arsene Wenger blocked Arsenal’s approach for Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola in 2016 by refusing to step down at the Emirates, according to reports in Spain.

The Frenchman, 66, is out of contract at the end of the season and there’s huge doubt over his future at the club after a difficult campaign in north London.

Wenger signed a three-year deal with the Gunners in 2014 after winning the FA Cup for the second consecutive year.

However, according to Spanish newspaper Sport, the Arsenal board were keen on appointing Guardiola when it became apparent that he would leave Bayern Munich and spoke to Wenger about accelerating his retirement in order to appoint the Manchester City boss.

Wenger, though, felt that his job wasn’t done at the Emirates and declined the board’s request.

Guardiola, of course, ended up joining Manchester City and the Spaniard’s side currently sit five points above Arsenal in third.

A portion of Arsenal fans held a protest against Wenger and the board before last night’s 5-1 defeat against Bayern Munich.

A new two-year deal is believed to have been offered to Wenger but the Frenchman insists he will wait until the end of the season before deciding whether to sign it.