Luis Enrique is one of a number of coaches that Arsenal have made informal contact with as they look to replace Arsene Wenger.
The Spaniard enjoyed immense success as Barcelona boss, winning five trophies in his first season including the Uefa Champions League – a competition that ultimately eluded Wenger.
The 47-year-old coach counts on supporters inside the north London club’s hierarchy and shares an existing relationship with Raul Sanllehi, Arsenal’s new head of football relations.
That would help smooth any arrival, but the former Spain midfielder has scared off some inside the club by demanding a salary on a par with Wenger.
He is currently on sabbatical, and remains intrigued by the prospect of succeeding the Frenchman.
Patrick Vieira, the New York City FC manager and former Arsenal captain, is another coach under consideration but the City Football Group are keen to hold onto him, having pegged him as a potential heir to Pep Guardiola in Manchester.
The same goes for Mikel Arteta, another former Gunners midfielder, who is working as an assistant to Guardiola.
Wenger admitted on Thursday that he thinks Vieira has the potential to replace him.