Arsene Wenger has often been linked with a move away from Arsenal, and the time may have finally arrived when the Frenchman decides to part ways with the club he managed for two decades.
The Frenchman completed 20 years in charge of the Gunners when they edged Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor. A last-gasp controversial goal by Laurent Koscielny saw Arsenal continue their winning run, and hand their manager a crucial win on an auspicious occasion.
While it’s been all sunshine and rainbows at the Emirates, the English FA are going through turbulent times. A disappointing Euro 2016 campaign saw them show Roy Hodgson the door, and his replacement Sam Allardyce was unceremoniously asked to vacate his seat after being involved in a scandal where he revealed ways to find loopholes in the rules established by the FA.
Wenger has been tempted by the England job in the past, and could take it up at the end of this season. In such a scenario, the Arsenal hierarchy will have to appoint a new manager to fill in the void of the Frenchman who served as a loyal servant for the last 20 years.
The Hard Tackle lists three candidates who could be offered the Arsenal job should Wenger decide to leave:
Eddie Howe
At odds of 7/1 according to Sky Bet, the Bournemouth manager remains the favourite to take up the hot-seat at the Emirates should there be a vacancy. The English coach has performed beyond expectations at Bournemouth, and has done a phenomenal job to establish the Cherries as a competitive sides in the country’s top flight.
Aged 38, some may argue that he might be a tad too young to handle the job at Arsenal, but sometimes hiring a young manager could reap high benefits. He has eight years of experience in managing, and is arguably the right man to take charge of the club.
Howe is a coach who is known to bring the best out of his players, and given the funds, he has a penchant of making some economical buys in the market.
Patrick Vieira
The Arsenal legend is currently managing MLS side New York City FC, and has done a fine job with the relatively newer American club. He guided them into the play-offs last season as his side finished in second place in the Eastern Conference.
Known to be a midfield destroyer in his heyday with a fighting mentality, the Frenchman has simmered down as he has embarked upon a more mature role in his career. On the touchline, he seems like a calm and composed figure who is constantly plotting new moves to bring the best out of his players.
He also has a soft corner for his former side Arsenal, and will be highly respected by the Emirates faithful upon his return. He has taken strides in the managerial role, and may well be approached by the Arsenal Board of Directors when the time is right
Laurent Blanc
The former Manchester United player and PSG manager Laurent Blanc is one of the numerous options Arsenal are likely to consider after the departure of Wenger. The 50-year-old is one of the most reputed head-coaches in the world, and is currently without a club to manage.
This could be perfect for news for the Gunners as they could replace their current manager with another Frenchman. Blanc has achieved success at Ligue 1 side Paris St. Germain, and has turned them into heavyweights of French football.
While he may have had a brief unsuccessful spell managing the national side, he has made amends for it with his stints at Bordeaux and PSG. He could possibly revolutionise the Arsenal squad and bring a number of reputed names along with him to the Emirates.
