Arsene Wenger watched his Arsenal side ease to Champions League victory over Basle before insisting the Gunners remain his priority following suggestions he will again be a target to become the new England manager.
Allardyce left the job on Tuesday after crunch talks with the Football Association following the Telegraph investigation where he appeared to be discussing ways to break the FA’s player ownership rules.
When asked if he was flattered by the rumours of England’s interest, he said: “Of course but my priority has always been this club. Until the end of this season I am here and completely focused on that.
“I said many times my priority was towards Arsenal Football Club, I will have to assess how well I do until the end of the season.”
The 66-year-old celebrates 20 years with the club on October 1st and his current contract ends at the end of the decision, and it seems unlikely as he has previously said he felt the job should go ‘to an Englishman’.
But the Frenchman said he will remain focused solely on Arsenal and confessed he was shocked by Allardyce’s departure.
“I was focused on the game tonight so I didn’t see too much about it. It was a huge surprise what happened to Sam Allardyce,” he said.
“Who could have predicted that 48 hours ago? Nobody. The game’s always full of surprises. My priority has always been this club and until the end of this season, I’m here. I’m completely focused on that.
“I’ve said many times that my priority has always been Arsenal Football Club and I have to assess how well I do until the end of the season.”
According to the London Evening Standard, the Football Association are expected to make an approach for 66-year-old, after Sam Allardyce’s 67-day reign came to an abrupt end.
Meanwhile, The Mirror are reporting that Arsenal are braced for England’s move and are preparing to combat it by offering Wenger a new contract at the Emirates Stadium.
Wenger’s current Gunners deal is due to expire at the end of the season.