This would be a very interesting appointment.
So, after 22 years, Arsene Wenger is finally leaving. The idea that the Frenchman won’t be in the technical area at the Emirates next season is a strange one, admittedly, but also one that will bring a lot of joy to Arsenal supporters.
Because the sad fact is that, despite revolutionising Arsenal and elevating the club to such thrilling success, it has seemed as though he has struggled to remain relevant, his status as a pioneer threatened by the prominence of a new breed: Guardiola, Conte, Klopp, Pochettino.
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In their statement on Friday morning, Arsenal did not offer much in the way of when Wenger’s successor will be announced but, as you would expect, the rumours are rife and the odds make for interesting reading.
Currently, Patrick Vieira, Wenger’s former captain, is the bookmakers’ favourite to succeed his compatriot. Vieira played under Wenger for nine years and is highly thought of as a coach, having coached the Manchester City reserves for two years before joining New York City FC.
Interestingly, speaking on Thursday, Wenger tipped Vieira to one day become Arsenal manager.
“He’s a guy who has the potential one day, yes,” Wenger said.
“He works in the moment in New York and he works for Man City. I’ve followed his managerial career. I think he does very well. But overall, after that, this Premier League is special, you know.
“You have to come in. There are plenty of former players who played here who have potential and the intelligence and the knowledge to do it. So there’s plenty of choice, don’t worry about that.”
Of course, Vieira isn’t the only high-profile name being mentioned. Joachim Low, Thomas Tuchel, Brendan Rodgers, Carlo Ancelotti and Massimiliano Allegri are just a few of the managers appearing high up in the odds columns.
As Arsenal chase the Europa League, though, we wouldn’t expect an announcement until the end of the season.
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