Report: Wenger favorite to replace Kovac at Bayern Munich

Arsene Wenger's hiatus from the touchline could be coming to an end in the near future with news that Bayern Munich are interested in his services.

The former Arsenal manager has emerged as Bayern Munich's top target to replace Niko Kovac after Ralf Rangnick ruled himself out, according to the Guardian's Christian Falk and Marcus Christenson.

Despite Wenger's evasive response when asked about reports linking him with the vacancy at Bayern, the Bavarian side is expected to speak with the 70-year-old about the possibility of becoming manager until the end of the season.

Wenger spent 22 seasons at Arsenal before leaving in 2018, helping the north London club win three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups.

Alongside Wenger, Rangnick was considered a favorite to succeed Kovac, who left Bayern following the embarrassing 5-1 loss to his former club Eintracht Frankfurt.

But Rangnick, who previously managed Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig, has no intention of leaving his role as head of sport and development at Red Bull, according to his agent Marc Kosicke.

"No, Ralf Rangnick is not available," Kosicke said. "We do not believe that what Ralf Rangnick brings is currently being sought after by Bayern. And that’s why it makes no sense to hold concrete talks."

After the season, Bayern will turn their attention to signing one of their long-term targets. Ajax manager Erik ten Hag or Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel are believed to be Bayern's preferred choices.

Ten Hag, who led Ajax to an unexpected run to the Champions League semifinals last season, confirmed earlier this week he intends to remain with the Dutch side until the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Tuchel said he will honor his contract at PSG, which runs until 2021.

Bayern Munich sit fourth in the table with 18 points in 10 matches.