Thomas Tuchel is rated the new favourite for the Arsenal job following intense speculation in Germany that he was ready to succeed Arsene Wenger in the summer.

Arsenal sources have been quick to deny that Tuchel is being lined up by their new head of recruitment Sven Mislantat, or indeed anyone within their hierarchy.

German reports claimed that Tuchel had backed away from the possibility of the Bayern Munich – who currently have veteran Jupp Heynckes overseeing their side until the summer after they sacked Italian Carlo Ancelotti earlier in the season.

Tuchel, who was axed by Borussia Dortmund in the summer, has been linked to a host o big jobs, and is understood to be keen on a switch to England.

It also remains to be seen whether Wenger will leave Arsenal, with a number of people believing he will remain, with another 15-months remaining on his current deal.

However, Bookmakers do not see Wenger staying at Arsenal – indeed they are convinced rating him at 1/5 to leave, which is 83% implied probability.

And due to the reports, Tuchel has been slashed to 6/4, coming in from 6/1.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Tuchel’s chances of taking over at Arsenal have never been higher and according to our traders, he could be in charge as early as this summer.”