ARSENAL have discovered they will have to match Rafa Benitez’s 12million-a-year salary if they want to tempt him to become their new manager.
The Gunners have sacked Unai Emery today after 18 months in charge following a dismal run of results which has seen the go seven games without a win.
Now the Arsenal board are having to scour the market looking for someone with the quality and track record to come in and revive their flagging fortunes.
Benitez is thought to have been one of the names discussed as having the pedigree needed to turn the ailing side back into top four contenders.
But SunSport understands anyone hoping to tempt the 59-year-old Spaniard will have to try match the astonishing 1m-a-month deal he gets from Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang.
That figure could be too high a price for owner Stan Kroenke and the Gunners board to go to at a time when they are facing the need for major investment in players to rebuild the squad that is flopping so badly on the pitch.
Kroenke has to decide whether to play it safe by bringing in a proven manager with the track record of performing in such a high pressured environment, with Benitez and Max Allegri strong options.
There have been calls for the Gunners to move swiftly to target Mauricio Pochettino following his sacking by North London rivals Tottenham last week.
But another option is to bring in a younger man, with Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe and Manchester City coach Mikel Arteta also linked.
