Bayern Munich are willing to offer Arsene Wenger a contract until the end of the season to become their next manager.

The 70-year-old former Arsenal boss is due to hold talks with Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge this week after emerging as the overwhelming favourite to replace Niko Kovac who was sacked on Sunday following their 5-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.

Bayern have identified Wenger as their ideal candidate after Ajax's Erik ten Hag said he was unwilling to leave his post during the season and Thomas Tuchel wanted to stay at Paris Saint-Germain.

Bayern want to offer Arsene Wenger a deal until the end of the season to become their boss

Niko Kovac was sacked by Bayern following their humiliating 5-1 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt

Another contender, head of sport and development at Red Bull, Ralf Rangnick, is also out of the running.

Rangnick has been pushed to Manchester United as a potential replacement for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but the Old Trafford side intend to keep the Norwegian in place for the time being.

Wenger, who left Arsenal in 2018 after 22 years in charge, speaks fluent German and has vast experience of handling big-name players including Bayern's talented former Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry.

Bayern would initially like him to take over until the end of the season when they will consider whether to try again for Ten Hag or Tuchel.

Wenger has rejected a number of job offers since leaving Arsenal including a role with FIFA as technical director.

Ajax boss Erik ten Hag has denied rumours he could become Bayern Munich's next manager

Asked whether he was interested in becoming Bayern coach, Wenger told beIN Sports: 'Of course. You miss the intensity but some things you miss a lot, some things you don't miss. I enjoyed the things I don't miss too much…

'But on the other hand, football games, winning football games, preparing the team for the game, and getting satisfaction and shared emotions. That is something that you miss.

'People who know me well say I'm more relaxed.'

Bayern beat Olympiacos 2-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday night with Hansi Flick in interim charge, and face rivals Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Should he take up the challenge, Wenger will find himself against old adversaries Tottenham in the Champions League on December 11.