Arsenal managerial candidate seems to prefer a move to a different club

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri would prefer the Barcelona job if he leaves Italy this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Spanish newspaper report that intermediaries of the Italian manager have told Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu that he would favour a switch to the Camp Nou at the end of the season if the Catalan club were interested in him.

Barcelona are searching for a coach to replace the outgoing Luis Enrique but technical director Robert Fernandez, who is leading the search for a new manager, is said to be favouring an appointment who has had close connections with the club in the past.

Former Barcelona player, and current Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde, Barca assistant manager Juan Carlos Unzue, and Real Sociedad coach Eusebio Sacristan are believed to be the favourites for the post.

Allegri does have a connection already at the club. Ariedo Braida was Allegri’s Sporting Director at AC Milan, and he is now in charge of international recruitment at Barcelona.

Arsenal are believed to be looking at Allegri if manager Arsene Wenger departs at the end of the season. The Gunners boss has however yet to decide on whether he will extend his current contract beyond the end of the season.