Paper Round: Jose Mourinho’s No 2 Rui Faria emerges as candidate to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal

Jose Mourinho’s assistant at Manchester United, Rui Faria, has emerged as a surprise candidate for the soon-to-be vacant manager’s job at Arsenal – The Sun reports. With Arsene Wenger leaving Arsenal this summer, a 14-man shortlist has been drawn up and Faria, who has worked with Mourinho since 2001, is the unlikely name to feature.

Paper Round’s view: Not going to happen. Okay, we can’t just leave it at that, but seriously, this isn’t going to happen – surely. Faria may harness ambitions of managing, according to The Sun, and Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke may have hired rookies over in the US, but surely, surely, a man who has spent 22 years at the helm will not be replaced by a man so lacking in experience.

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Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri is looking to leave the club at the end of this season and join Chelsea, should Antonio Conte depart Stamford Bridge, the Mirror reports. Napoli’s Serie A hopes took a huge blow on the weekend, and with leaders Juventus on the verge of a seventh straight title, Sarri is reported to have said: “I must say, seeing the Premier League have this constant alternation of winners every year, it grows the love for teams and makes everyone have hope of success. It’s a different situation here in Italy.”

Paper Round’s view: Wonder if Conte would fancy a straight swap? Sarri’s frustrations are understandable, and he also makes a good point regarding the hope for success, but it would also be wise to point out the shelf-life of managers who don’t deliver. Conte is a cautionary tale in that aspect, just one year after winning the league, though you could argue he is trying to mastermind his own sacking.

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Championship winners Wolverhampton Wanderers have set their sights on Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland, according to the Express. Wolves are reportedly looking to lay down a marker upon their return to Premier League football next season, and are willing to fork out £35m for the England international. Stoke’s top-flight status currently hangs by a thread, with the club currently 19th – three points from safety.

Paper Round’s view: With the financial stability of a top-ten club, Wolves will be desperate to build on an already strong squad and ensure it’s one that remains a top-flight team for years to come. Butland would be a fantastic start – though the price-tag is £35m, is anyone even shocked at figures like this any more?

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Jack Wilshere has been offered an improved deal by Arsenal as they desperately look to secure his services beyond the summer – the Mirror reports. Player and club have been involved in a stand-off for months after Wilshere rejected a £90,000-a-week contract, as it happens to be a £20,000-per-week pay-cut. However, with Everton and Wolves knocking at the door, Arsenal have upped that offer, believed to be in excess of £100,000-a-week.

Paper Round’s view: One of the least exciting transfer sagas rumbles on. It’s an awkward time for any player to commit at Arsenal, while it remains uncertain who will take charge. Wilshere may well be wary of signing on the dotted line and then being phased out of first-team opportunities if he’s not fancied by the new manager. Only time will tell on this one.