Brendan Rodgers taking over from Unai Emery is a possibility that the former has confirmed. But according to the Leicester boss, his heart belongs to where he is at the moment. And that's saying jumping to Arsenal is not in his immediate plans.
Rodgers made the statement following the reports that a clause in his contract exists, which he states he can choose to leave should a competing make an offer he cannot resist. That would be a salary that will be higher than what he is getting from Leicester now.
In theory, Arsenal or any other teams can lure Rodgers away from Leicester, but such a scenario comes with a hefty price tag. According to Metro, it would cost the Gunners no less than £14 million to get the services of Rodgers.
However, the Leicester boss appeared uninterested in occupying the spot vacated by Emery, who Arsenal sacked last week following a winless run by the Gunners.
Rodgers has valid reasons to resist the temptation. His team is No. 2 at the Premier League and is fresh from a win, the sixth consecutive victory, in fact, for the Foxes. The likelihood of Leicester having a better finish in the competition seems stronger while Arsenal is on the brink of relegation. In all practicality, it's an easy decision for the former Celtic coach.
It is obvious Rodgers is quite happy with Leicester, which he joined in February this year. According to The Guardian, the former Liverpool manager is enjoying every minute of his stay with the club.
"My focus is very much here with Leicester. The club has been first class with me. The project feels very exciting, with a lot of development ahead. So my concentration is very much with Leicester," the club chief was reported as saying.
Also, Rodgers clarified that the exit clause in his contract with Leicester is a common arrangement, something that is probably found "in most managers' contracts.
"I've been so happy to work with the players, and I feel we still have a lot of work to do. Most managers' contracts will have something in that but for me my only concentration is on Leicester," Rodgers said.
The Sun said Arsenal snatching Rodgers away from the Foxes will not be easy. It is certain Leicester will move heaven and earth to keep the coach from moving out, and one big incentive for staying put is the promise of greater possibilities.
To begin with, Leicester is doing well in the Premier League, and the chance is great for the team to figure prominently in the Champions League in the coming season. It's not hard to imagine that Rodgers would risk missing all these by abruptly moving to a new team.
