Ranieri was not first choice, as big name turns down Fulham job

Arsene Wenger rejected the chance to replace Slavisa Jokanovic at Fulham, according to a report.

The Daily Mirror claim that “Fulham sounded out former Arsenal boss Wenger” as they looked for a new boss before deciding to plump for former Chelsea and Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri.

Italian Ranieri, 67, who memorably led Leicester to the title in 2016, has been given a “multi-year” contract by the London club, but he was not apparently their number one choice.

Wenger has always said he would not take another Premier League job out of respect to Arsenal and he has been as good as his word turning down the advances of Shahid Khan.

Wenger left Arsenal at the end of last season following a near 22-year reign at the club and hinted recently he will return to the game at the turn of the year.

The 69-year-old Frenchman has been strongly linked with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, who have both struggled to hit their usual high standards this season.

However, France Football recently claimed it is AC Milan who are the club to have held ongoing talks with Wenger and the respected French outlet suggested his appointment at the San Siro was close.

 

Wenger though branded those rumours as “fake news”.