Arsenal want Carlo Ancelotti to replace Arsene Wenger?

Arsenal will reportedly pursue Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti if Arsene Wenger leaves to manage former club Monaco at the end of the season.

The big-spending French outfit are believed to be prepared to offer Wenger a £28m contract over three years to return to the Stade Louis II next summer.

Claudio Ranieri was sacked in May after Monaco finished runners-up in Ligue 1, and his replacement Leonardo Jardim has won only five of his first 12 games in charge.

According to The Express the Gunners are worried that Wenger could be tempted to leave for a second spell in charge at Monaco, where he enjoyed seven successful years between 1987 and 1994.

Arsenal chiefs are therefore exploring possible contingencies and have identified ex-Chelsea boss Ancelotti as the man who could fill the huge void if Wenger leaves after nearly two decades with the Londoners.

Ancelotti is apparently in danger of losing his job with Madrid should he fail to deliver one major honour this season, having spent over £250m in transfer fees since taking charge in June 2013.