Next Arsenal manager – names in the frame

Wenger on his way out

The writing looks to be on the wall for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, with the small group of fans who wanted him gone growing into a mob, burning torches and all. Some hold up banners saying thanks and goodbye, others have been a lot less polite.

Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton compared the under-fire leader to an uncle who doesn’t know it’s time to leave a party. Mildly humorous, by Sutton’s standards, but surely Wenger has a bit more pride.

So, if the rumours are correct, and Wenger is on his way out of the Emirates exit door, then who do the club have lined-up to replace the Frenchman? We pick out three of the more interesting names in the betting, and look at the chances of them coming to London.

Arsenal board rubbish news reports

Certain sections of the media suggested Arsenal have made an early move for Borussia Dortmund’s Thomas Tuchel, although, to be fair, it was the red tops. It isn’t too far off the mark however, not according to our traders, and the German has been knocked up as 6/1 second favourite for the job. Perhaps not the big name fans had in mind, but at 43-years-old, he fits the bill as a long-term replacement. Finished runner-up in the Bundesliga last year, and going great guns in the Champions League this term.

Allegri the star name fans want

At present, Massimiliano Allegri heads the market to be next Arsenal manager. The 49-year-old Italian is currently in charge at Juventus, and it would certainly be some achievement if Arsenal could get him to the Emirates for next season. Juve have been virtually untouchable in the Serie A this season, and go into the international break eight points clear of Roma in second. Allegri’s mentor Giovanni Galeone urged him to leave Juventus and build an exciting future at Arsenal. Will he take that advice? The betting thinks so. He would certainly be welcomed with open-arms by the support.

Vieira would be welcomed back

If followers wanted to take a bit of a punt on one at more of a price, then fans’ favourite Patrick Vieira goes at 16/1. A regular in an Arsenal shirt between 1996 and 2005, Vieira won just about everything at the club, and has since used his experiences to move into management. The hugely influential midfielder enjoyed a spell as manager of Man City reserves, and is now in charge of MLS side New York City FC. Vieira has built an exciting young side at NYC, and one that has been getting results. That’ll catch the attention of the Arsenal board. Fans would love him back, and punters would love the price if it were to happen.

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