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Arsene Wenger turned down a sensational return to management with Fulham before Claudio Ranieri was appointed.

As we predicted last month, the Premier League's bottom side finally axed Slavisa Jokanovic on Wednesday after the Serb lost the confidence of the Craven Cottage board.

Following defeats to Bournemouth and Huddersfield, Fulham sounded out former Arsenal boss Wenger with the promise of substantial funds to further strengthen the side in January.

But he stuck to his insistence he won't take another top flight job in England out of respect to the Gunners, where he was in charge for 22 years until this summer.

Fulham instead turned to Ranieri to replace Jokanovic and Mirror Sport understands the 67-year-old will get a huge January war chest to strengthen an ailing squad.

(Image: PA)

Ranieri’s appointment was announced just an hour after Jokanovic was informed on Tuesday morning.

The Italian, who oversaw Leicester’s 5,000-1 Premier League title miracle in 2016 but was fired less than a year later, said: “The objective at Fulham should never be to merely survive in the Premier League. We must at all times be a difficult opponent and should expect to succeed. This Fulham squad has exceptional talent that is contrary to its position in the table.

“I know this team is very capable of better performances, which we will work on straight away as we prepare for Southampton at the Cottage.

(Image: Reuters)

“It is an honour to accept Mr. Khan’s invitation and opportunity to lead Fulham, a fantastic club with tradition and history.”

Owner Shahid Khan admitted holding talks with Ranieri behind Jokanovic’s back.

The US businessman said: “Making a change without having the right answer or succession plan was not an option, so having someone of Claudio’s calibre ready to accept our challenge was comforting but, most of all, essential.”

(Image: Javier Garcia/BPI/REX/Shutterstock) (Image: Javier Garcia/BPI/REX/Shutterstock)

Fulham, who went on a £100million spending spree after winning promotion in the summer, want to sign two defenders and are also seeking more firepower after managing just 11 Premier League goals in the 12 games so far this season.

The west Londoners had been ready to give such backing to Wenger in the hope that his capture would have convinced quality players to join their fight for survival.

Khan and son Tony are close to Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke through NFL circles — Khan also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kroenke the Los Angeles Rams.

(Image: Reuters)

Wenger is waiting for a big European job.

He insists he will return to work in January and is surprised he has yet to receive an offer from one of the European powerhouses.

The 69-year-old has turned down interest from China as he wants to be a day-to-day manager in Europe rather than take a director of football role.

The Frenchman has been linked with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich and would be keen on another huge challenge.