Arsene Wenger is being targeted for a lead ambassador's role by England's 2018 World Cup bid team in a bid to inject new impetus into the campaign, reports the Mail on Sunday. There are those on the board who want to go even further, however, by asking the Frenchman to be the bid's figurehead.
The Arsenal boss has emerged as a leading candidate, with his worldwide reputation an undoubted asset.
The problem for the board, The Mail on Sunday understands, is their concern about how it might be perceived if an overseas figure became the face of the bid, even if it would play well abroad.
"Wenger's name was suggested by one board member and it is being considered, but other members worry about how it might look," said a source close to the board.
"It should be a no-brainer. Wenger has changed the face of English football and is almost an honorary Englishman these days. He is also hugely respected around the world. Having him fronting it would make a lot of sense."
