Arsene Wenger "surprised" Rafael Benitez accepted Chelsea job

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has expressed his shock in Chelsea's appointment of new boss Rafael Benitez.

The former Liverpool coach has replaced Roberto Di Matteo, who was sacked by the club yesterday, on an interim deal that is expected to take the Spaniard to the end of the season.

"It is a surprise because Rafael Benitez is a guy who has a record," London24 quotes Wenger as saying. "He is a manager of stature and it is a surprise he is appointed for such a short time. I am surprised as well he accepted that."

Meanwhile, reports have claimed that ex-Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, who is currently on a year's sabbatical, has agreed in principle to take on the Blues role in the summer.