Strategic move as Rafa Benitez jets in to oversee clash of his suitors West Ham and Arsenal?

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West Ham United take on Arsenal in a huge clash at the London Stadium on Monday night.

And it emerged on Sunday night that reported West Ham and Arsenal managerial candidate Rafa Benitez is jetting in to oversee the match.

According to the likes of The Daily Mail, Benitez is West Ham’s prime target if they decide to axe Manuel Pellegrini.

But they face stiff competition from Arsenal who sacked Unai Emery two weeks ago (The Sun).

West Ham and Arsenal linked with Rafa as gaffer

Benitez is reportedly keen to end his short spell in charge of struggling Dalian Yifang after the end of the Chinese Super League season (Sky Sports).

Now the former Liverpool and Newcastle boss looks to have made a strategic move to keep his name in the spotlight.

Benitez is flying in from China to join Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football team for the clash of his two suitors.

And Sky Sports made no apologies for the cynical move when it was announced on Sunday night.

Strategic move as Benitez jets in for clash of suitors?

“The former Newcastle, Chelsea and Liverpool boss, who has been linked with both Arsenal and West Ham in recent years, will join presenter David Jones and Jamie Carragher, who he managed during a six-year spell at Liverpool,” Sky Sports said.

West Ham looked to have turned a corner with a deserved 1-0 win over Chelsea last weekend.

That was the Hammers’ first victory in 10 matches.

Rafa certain to be quizzed on interest of Hammers and Gunners

But a dismal 2-0 defeat to Wolves followed four days later.

And Pellegrini was once again made favourite to be the next manager sacked.

Benitez will undoubtedly be quizzed on the reported interest from West Ham and the Gunners.

So it will be a Monday Night Football not to be missed.