Arsenal are continuing to explore a range of younger head coach-style options to replace Arsene Wenger and do not simply want to be drawn into paying huge wages for one of the highest-profile candidates.

With the structure surrounding the manager having already evolved and a transfer budget before sales this summer of around £50 million, the priority is a manager with the coaching track-record to bring out the best in the existing squad while also progressing the club’s younger players.

Arsenal have not yet made any final decisions - and chief executive Ivan Gazidis is committed to a proper recruitment process - but Luis Enrique was reportedly on £16.5 million-a-year at Barcelona, almost double what Wenger is currently paid.

Enrique might be prepared to accept a lower salary, but his likely wage expectations have already put off Chelsea and Arsenal are also considering other options.

Former captains Mikel Arteta and Patrick Vieira, Monaco manager Leonardo Jardim, Juventus boss Max Allegri and Hoffenheim manager Julian Nagelsmann are also on Arsenal’s shortlist.