Thomas Tuchel has reportedly turned down the chance to take charge of Bayern Munich at the end of the season as he favours the Arsenal job.
The 44-year-old, out of work since being sacked by Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season, is the rumoured frontrunner to replace Jupp Heynckes at the Allianz Arena.
According to SportsBild, however, Tuchel intends to manage outside of Germany for the first time and is already in early discussions with Arsenal.
Arsenal are said to have made the first move after learning of Chelsea's interest in the former Mainz 05 and Augsburg boss, with the Gunners' new head of recruitment Sven Mislintat a big fan.
Tuchel is seen as the ideal man to succeed Arsene Wenger, who is expected to move on at the end of the campaign following more than two decades at the helm.