Arsene Wenger turned down the chance of making a sensational Premier League return with Fulham before the Cottagers appointed Claudio Ranieri.

Fulham confirmed on Wednesday morning that Ranieri has succeeded Slavisa Jokanovic, who has paid the price for the club’s terrible Premier League start that sees them bottom of the table. In their statement confirming Ranieri’s appointment, Fulham confirmed they had considered and spoken to a number of candidates and Telegraph Sport can reveal one was Wenger.

But Wenger politely declined the opportunity to speak to Fulham, sticking to his vow not to manager another Premier League club after leaving Arsenal.

It is understood Wenger is waiting for the right opportunity abroad, with Bayern Munich likely to be a job that would interest the Frenchman if it became available. Bayern are currently fifth in the Bundesliga table, seven points behind Borussia Dortmund, who they lost to last weekend.

Fulham owner Shahid Khan gets on well with Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke, who would have given Wenger a glowing reference despite his departure from the Emirates.