Catalan daily El Mundo Deportivo reported that the French coach is the first name on Joan Laporta's shortlist, ahead of Jose Mourinho and Marco Van Basten.

However, the manager who has been in charge of the Gunners since 1996, has just signed a three-year contract at Emirates Stadium last September.

Whilst Wenger is enjoying a superb season with Premiership leaders Arsenal, life at Nou Camp has been difficult for Rijkaard.

Barca are eight points adrift of leaders and arch rivals Real Madrid, who snatched the Primera Liga title from Rijkaard's team last season.