With Arsene Wenger set for the exit door at the end of the season, we try to take a peek into the future and try to predict his likely successor.
Here are five main contenders...
EDDIE HOWE
WHY? Been touted for a 'big club' for past few seasons, done well at Bournemouth playing the sort of attractive football Arsenal fans have taken for granted under Wenger
LIKELIHOOD? Howe would be a gamble, and you suspect the Arsenal board will want a ‘bigger’ name.
MASSIMILIANO ALLEGRI
WHY? Has likely taken Juventus as far as he can and is a suitable ‘big name’ appointment having managed the Turin giants and AC Milan.
LIKELIHOOD? Has been linked with a move to the Premier League with Chelsea a possible destination. Would be under instant pressure to achieve at the Emirates were he to replace Wenger.
PATRICK VIERA
WHY? One of Wenger’s first signings the Frenchman became an Arsenal legend. Currently coaching New York City.
LIKELIHOOD? The need for instant impact and Viera’s relative lack of top-flight coaching experience probably makes him too big a gamble for the Arsenal bigwigs. Would be popular with the fans, though.
BRENDAN RODGERS
WHY? Was one Steven Gerrard slip away from leading Liverpool to the Premier League title. Done all he can do at Celtic.
LIKELIHOOD? For all that the Scottish Premiership is ridiculed, his record at Celtic — led Celtic to an undefeated domestic season in his first year at the club, delivering Celtic's fourth treble in the process — is very good. The Arsenal fans, however, might be underwhelmed were he to be the new boss.
CARLO ANCELOTTI
WHY? Won titles and trophies at every club he has managed, his CV read like a who’s who of top European clubs.
LIKELIHOOD? Like Allegri would be the choice if the board are going for an immediate quick fix rather than a longer-term project. Maybe not an imaginative replacement but one which might please the impatient fans.
