Pep Guardiola: Will he join Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal or Chelsea?

Bayern Munich have confirmed the Spaniard is leaving them at the end of the season

Pep Guardiola (GETTY IMAGES)

Bayern Munich have confirmed that Pep Guardiola will be leaving them in the summer, sparking speculation over where arguably the most sought after coach in football will move next.

The Spaniard has made no secret of his desire to manage in the Premier League and it appears there will be no shortage of offers - Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal have all been offered as potential destinations. So which one will he join?

MANCHESTER CITY

Undoubtedly the favourites. That stems from City director of football Txiki Begiristain and chief executive Ferran Soriano having a long-standing friendship with Guardiola from their time together at Barcelona. It's also understood the pair have convinced City’s Abu Dhabi hierarchy that they can lure him to the Etihad. Current manager Manuel Pellegrini was given a one-year contract extension in August, tying him to the club until June 2017, however it's thought the club would have little problem casting aside the Chilean if Guardiola can be persuaded to come.

Latest odds: 5/6

MANCHESTER UNITED

According to a book chronicling his first season at Bayern Munich it was claimed that whilst sitting at Old Trafford Guardiola said: "I like this atmosphere. I could see myself coaching here one day." It is that, and other reports claiming the Spaniard sees Manchester United as a club he would like to manage, linking him with Old Trafford. Despite the knowledge that a move to the Theatre of Dreams is an attractive proposition the Manchester United hierarchy have only indicated they will let current manager Louis van Gaal at least see out his contract - which lasts until 2017. The Independent reported recently that the club were so happy with the progress made under the Dutchman that they might even extend his deal. However things change rapidly, and with the club eliminated from the Champions League and results in the Premier League going awry, opinions could change. After overseeing a 2-1 loss at home to Norwich, when asked about the possibility of being sacked, Van Gaal replied: "Yes of course I am worried."

Latest odds: 4/1

CHELSEA

Of all the clubs linked with Guardiola, Chelsea are the only one who must appoint a new coach having already dismissed their manager. Following the sacking of Jose Mourinho after the club's awful defence of their title, Guus Hiddink has been put in charge, but only until the end of the season. The Independent understands that current Italy manager Antonio Conte is the favourite to be installed. Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has also been linked. But the availability of Guardiola could change things. Chelsea know all about his ability from their battles with his Barcelona teams in the Champions League. There is also a strong Spanish presence at the club in Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa, César Azpilicueta and Pedro, which could be a plus-point for Guardiola.

Latest odds: 3/1

ARSENAL

Of the Premier League sides linked, Arsenal appear the least likely destination. That mainly stems from current manager Arsene Wenger having another year after this season to run on his contract. However, there have been reports that Guardiola sees the prospect of succeeding Wenger and continuing his methods of developing players and a philosophy of beautiful football as an attractive one. Wenger is not expected to go at the end of this season, but if Arsenal were to win the Premier League title and the ideal replacement were waiting to take over, could he be tempted to bow out?

Latest odds: 33/1