Graham Arnold considers overseas interest as he waits for new Socceroos contract offer

Graham Arnold does not have a contract offer on the table from Football Australia as the Socceroos mentor fields interest from overseas as a club and national coach.

Australia's coach Graham Arnold.

The Socceroos risk losing Graham Arnold to a rival nation as Football Australia starts a lengthy review into Australia’s heroic World Cup campaign rather than re-sign the head coach.

The Daily Telegraph has been told the now off-contract Arnold is being headhunted by two national federations – one in the eastern part of Asia, another in the Middle East – and a further two overseas club franchises.

Arnold’s manager, Tony Rallis, has engaged in informal talks with the FA but revealed on Monday that no formal offer for a contract extension had been lodged.

The Daily Telegraph understands Socceroos assistant coach Rene Meulensteen is also waiting on a new deal.

Well-placed sources say Arnold wants to continue coaching the Socceroos but would be willing to shift overseas if a deal cannot be struck.

Sydney-born Arnold shares a strong bond with his players, who are watching FA’s next move carefully.

One overseas-based player told teammates during the campaign that FA could get “f…ed” if the governing body didn’t back Arnold.

Senior FA staff were present when the comment was made.

Speculation is rife that FA held a pre-World Cup desire to replace Arnold with former Socceroo John Aloisi.

One well-placed source had “no doubt” that Aloisi was a potential candidate.

An FA spokesperson categorically denied that chief executive James Johnson had met with Aloisi or any other potential coach.

However, any plans to appoint Aloisi may be scuppered after the Socceroos’ incredible World Cup heroics.

FA says it is conducting a review into the World Cup before formally approaching Arnold. Sources close to Arnold claim FA’s delay could result in the country’s national hero walking away.

Arnold – officially off-contract given Australia’s World Cup commitments have ended – has told Rallis to consider all overseas options.

“There was some initial dialogue pre-World Cup where we were told KPIs had to be met before any contract discussions could occur, but there has been no direct offer,” Rallis said.

“There’s been no discussions about contracts but James Johnson and I have had open communication and our understanding is that the FA board wanted to see how Graham went in the World Cup.”

Pressed on whether Arnold had attracted rival interest, Rallis said: “There was pre-World Cup interest from a couple of clubs and two national federations are interested in talking to us post-World Cup.

“One nation has had more success than the other, so it will be interesting to see where those conversations land. I have been transparent with James Johnson informing him of these opportunities.

“We were encouraged to apply for a couple of jobs in club land but also two international FAs looking at Graham as a national team coach. Graham is taking a break for six weeks where we will review the opportunities that have come to us.”

Graham Arnold will consider his future during a post-World Cup break. Picture: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Several ex-Socceroos believe that FA were looking to sack Arnold at different stages throughout the year. Now, FA executives may be forced to change plans.

English agents have been texting their Australian counterparts raving about Arnold’s exploits.

Johnson said: “As always occurs following a major tournament involving our national teams, Football Australia will commence a full review of the campaign and the senior men’s national team program including staffing as we enter into the next FIFA World Cup cycle.

“We also look forward to discussing our plans for the next FIFA World Cup cycle with Graham when he returns to Australia following a well-deserved break. This thorough review will take place over the coming weeks and be presented to the board of Football Australia for consideration in the New Year.”

Some close to Arnold believe FA has been negotiating to re-sign the Socceroos backroom staff – but not Arnold. FA has denied this.

A FA spokesman said Football Australia had not had any discussions with other coaches for the national team coaching role.

One former Australian football star said: “They moved on from Arnie thinking the World Cup would be a disaster but, as we saw, things took a dramatic U-turn.

“It would now be unthinkable to suggest Arnold doesn’t continue on. He has ticked every box – and achieved more – the players want him, the fans want him. It’s a no-brainer. The Socceroos are in his DNA.”