Arsene Wenger Rebuffs Barca Boss Rumours After Luis Enrique Confirms Departure at Season's End

Arsene Wenger has rejected speculation linking him with the Barcelona managerial position after the revelation that Luis Enrique will step down from the post at the end of the season.

The Arsenal boss told reporters at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's showdown with Liverpool that he was not interested in taking up the reins at the Camp Nou, despite his own future still being up in the air.

Barca revealed that Enrique would not carry on as manager of La Blaugrana once the 2016/17 campaign comes to an end and, with Wenger's own contract at the Emirates up when the curtain comes down on this term, many media outlets had put two and two together and install the Frenchman has favourite to land the role.

BREAKING: Arsene Wenger says he's not interested in managing other clubs but yet to make decision on @Arsenal future. #SSNHQ

Wenger, though, dismissed those reports and told the Daily Express that he was still planning to stay with his current employers.

He said: No my preference [staying at Arsenal] is always the same, it will remain the same.

"I am not looking for jobs of other clubs or jobs of other people. I am just focusing on getting to the next level and try to improve. Competent managers always try to get better, to reinvent themselves.�

Luis Enrique confirms he's leaving Barcelona at the end of the season.

Arsenal fans to Arsene Wenger... pic.twitter.com/wTC4LnJoao

Wenger is believed to have been offered a two-year contract extension by Arsenal to continue his two-decade long association with the north London side but, after fierce criticism once again from the Gunners' fanbase, the 67-year-old is seriously considering his future at the club.

Arsenal's Premier League title aspirations, as well as their hopes of progressing as far as possible in the Champions League, have both taken huge hits in recent weeks and tensions among the club's supporters has resurfaced, with many calling for Wenger to leave when his contract expires in the summer.

Enrique, meanwhile, was allegedly set to be relieved of his own managerial duties by Barca at the end of the season following a topsy-turvy campaign in charge.

Those rumours were confirmed by the club on Wednesday evening, with the 46-year-old due to step down after claiming that he "needed to rest" after three seasons at the helm.

The former midfielder said: "I think it will be good for me at the end of the season, because I need to rest. That's the principle motive.

"The most important thing is we have an exciting three months left in all three competitions. In one of them (the Champions League) we are in a difficult situation but if the stars align, we will have a chance to turn it around."

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