Journalist Guillem Balague has claimed that Luis Enrique would "absolutely love" to replace Arsene Wenger as manager of Arsenal.

On Friday, Wenger announced that he would step down as boss of the Gunners at the end of the season to conclude a 22-year spell with the North London outfit.

Luis Enrique is one of a number of names to be linked with the position and Balague has suggested that the former Barcelona coach would jump at the opportunity to make the switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Balague told Sky Sports News: "I tell you what Arsenal needs, it's Luis Enrique. Would he fancy it? He would absolutely love it. Why? Because after a year sabbatical he is ready to come back, he has had all kinds of offers. PSG were certainly one of them.

"He has had contacts from Italy, too, but I do believe that Arsenal have not made a step yet to negotiate. Luis Enrique is available, and he has left himself available because he wants to get the right job.

"He doesn't have an agent, you have to deal with him directly. Arsenal had far too much respect for Wenger to start negotiations with anybody, so what you have now is a list of candidates created by the media, but nothing confirmed by anybody.

"Luis Enrique loves the Premier League, always loved playing in England, and sees things in England that he didn't see in Spain; the relationship with the fans and how the fans relate to the game."

Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira is currently regarded as the bookmakers' favourite to replace Wenger.