Guardiola ready to replace Wenger as Arsenal plan to move manager upstairs

By Bob Cass

Arsene Wenger's 16-year reign as Arsenal manager is under increasing pressure after Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup fifth-round defeat at Sunderland - and the revelation that Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola could replace him in the summer.



Senior sources at Arsenal have indicated that plans are being discussed to move the Frenchman into the boardroom after another season of disappointment looks certain to condemn the club to missing out on a trophy for the seventh year running.



Waiting in the shadows: Barcelona's coach Josep Guardiola

Arsenal's 4-0 capitulation at AC Milan last week effectively sealed their exit from the lucrative Champions League and sounded alarm bells for club directors already facing the prospect of failing to qualify for next season's competition because of erratic Premier League form.



Since American Stan Kroenke became majority shareholder, Arsenal have looked to increase their global popularity and the income from it.



The team's success is the key to that and Wenger appears to have run out of ideas on how to stop his side's decline.



On the hot-seat: Arsene Wenger cuts a lonely figure at Sunderland

Arsenal are also aware that there is likely to be a limited window in which they could lure Guardiola from Barcelona, while his contract situation there remains uncertain.



The highly-regarded 41-year-old coach will be a free agent at the end of the season and refuses to rule out a move despite pressure from the European champions to sign a new deal.

'I can't be at such a demanding club without being certain that I have the strength to do it,' said Guardiola on Saturday night, in response to questions about a new contract.



Going through: Kieran Richardson (right) fires home the opener for Sunderland

'I still don't have it clear in mind. When I am sure then the club will know. To renew my contract, I have to feel it. We have been together for four years and the decision needs to be thought out thoroughly.

'I feel that it is better to have a bit more time. If that is okay then fine, if not then too bad. I have to be true to myself.'

Sing when you're winning: Kieran Richardson celebrates giving Sunderland the lead



