Luis Enrique remains firm favourite to be named Arsenal manager, after it emerged the club have made contact.

The former Barcelona head coach has been out of work since leaving the Nou Camp last season, waiting for the right offer and that could very well be Arsenal.

Chelsea are also monitoring his situation, but Arsenal have already begun their search for a new boss with Arsene Wenger confirming his departure.

Now Enrique is very much in Arsenal’s sights, and sources close to the club have confirmed that has been contact – although they refused to say whether the job had been offered.

Bookmakers believe it will be Enrique and have him short-price 11/4 favourite.

The Spaniard is the most well backed boss to take charge at The Emirates too, with former Gunners captain Patrick Vieira (10/1) next best-backed name on the list ahead of Max Allegri (6/1) and Carlo Ancelotti (10/1) – while second-favourite Mikel Arteta is 10th in the popularity charts.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Luis Enrique is favourite in the betting, and punters clearly think he’s the best man for the job.”