Another candidate ruled out of the running for Arsenal job

Arsenal’s search for a replacement is well underway, but Julian Nagelsmann will not be Arsene Wenger’s successor.

The 30-year-old Hoffenheim manager has been linked with the Gunners post and has been mentioned by many fans as the type of progressive young coach the club need to appoint.

But the Bundesliga side insisted on Tuesday that he will be going nowhere.

“Julian Nagelsmann will be our coach next season 100 per cent,” Hoffenheim’s director of football Alexander Rosen told Sky Germany.

Mikel Arteta is now the bookmakers’ favourite to return to the club he served as a player between 2011 and 2016.

He retired two years ago to join Pep Guardiola’s coaching team at Manchester City and helped deliver the Premier League title to the Etihad Stadium this season.

While the 36-year-old has no managerial experience, Guardiola, speaking after his side reached the 100-point mark with a final-day victory at Southampton on Sunday, praised Arteta’s role in the success and said he would not stand in his way if Arsenal came calling.

“What we have done this season, Mikel his contribution was outstanding, amazing, we work together so good,” he said.

“If he stays I will be the happiest guy in the world and if he decides to move because he has this offer, this option, I will not say you do not have to go. I want the best for my friends and he is a friend of mine.”

Although Arteta has emerged as the front-runner and is reportedly the preferred choice of chief executive Ivan Gazidis, the likes of former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti, New York City head coach Vieira and Massimiliano Allegri of Juventus continue to be linked with the job.

Allegri, who secured a fourth successive Serie A and Coppa Italia double over the weekend, appears the least likely to take the reins after both he and Juve said they want him to remain in charge of the Italian giants heading into next season.