I’m not even sure why I’m doing this piece other than it is bound to get a load of coverage so we’d be best snipping any excitement in the bud. Can’t be having that sort of thing going on now can we. I didn’t realise the volume of people who read and believe everything that Goal.com say until I opened an #AFC search on Twitter. It’s frightening.

Goal.com [I know, I know] are today reporting that Pep Guardiola’s representatives, via an unnamed source, has told them exclusively that Arsenal are Pep’s preferred destination in England ahead of United, City and Chelsea.

Even if you ignore the fact that Goal have a record about as reliable as Arsenal up north, you have to look at the position at Arsenal to see that at present there isn’t a place for him. The board have given their backing to Wenger today according to the Daily Mail, Wenger said yesterday that he has 18 months left on his contract and wants to fix Arsenal so that doesn’t sound like he’ll be walking away anytime soon.

So, given that Guardiola is on sabbatical for the rest of the year you would perhaps be looking at a situation where Arsenal would need to get worse to the point where the board or Wenger were left with no other option but to sack/resign. Can you see that happening? The performances maybe, the sack/resign? Doubtful.

Anyway, the unnamed source allegedly said

“Guardiola’s preference in England is Arsenal. The club are aware he would be interested in the job in 2013.

“Guardiola doesn’t want to go to Chelsea. He is worried about the lack of stability. He also has a good relationship with Wenger dating back to when he started doing his coaching badges at Arsenal.”

Just to play devil’s advocate, Wenger leaving at the end of the season and the players being aware of that fact could explain some of the performances we’ve been seeing.

Gah. Stupid speculation.