Arsene Wenger: It's 'better' if ex-player gets Arsenal job - but who is ready to step up?
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Updated 26/04/2018 at 09:00 GMT
Arsene Wenger says it would be “even better” if his replacement at Arsenal is one of his former players, as speculation continues to swirl around former captains Mikel Arteta and Patrick Vieira.
Patrick Vieira, Mikel Arteta and Thierry Henry
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Arsenal’s search for Wenger’s replacement this summer has seen them linked with a wide range of managers from across Europe, but Wenger has endorsed the strategy of turning to an individual who learned their trade under the Frenchman.
Vieira, currently managing New York City FC, has already said he is “happy” to be linked with the club and that he is “ready” for a move to a top European club.
Meanwhile, Arteta, currently working as assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, is also reported to have been told he is a contender.
Asked if Arsenal should make a bold appointment, Wenger replied:
I would take it the other way around. The need to make the right decision, even if you have to be bold. That's not exactly the same, so that's what I wish, personally. Is it former people that worked here? That is even better. But there are many players who had qualities. Some of them are in the job. I don't influence that choice but I will stand behind the decision.
The ex-Factor: Who could replace Wenger?
Patrick Vieira
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New York City FC head coach Patrick Vieira speaks at an interview with AFP
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Arguably Wenger's greatest signing, inarguably his most emblematic captain, Vieira was the signing in 1996 who set the tempo and template in midfield for Arsenal during Wenger's imperial years. Many fans were frustrated to see that it was Manchester City who absorbed him into their coaching hierarchy post-retirement, rather than Arsenal, and he has shown signs of improvement in the job at NYCFC, who are currently top of the Eastern Conference in MLS.
Readiness rating: 4/5
Mikel Arteta
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Coach of Manchester City, Mikel Arteta looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea
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Another football brain lost to the City Football Group post-retirement, Arteta was a vital component in keeping Arsenal on the rails between 2011 and 2016 as they flirted with dropping out of the top four. He was a key conduit for transmitting Wenger's ideas on the pitch and maintaining discipline within the squad. Arteta has been learning his trade under Guardiola for two seasons now and appointing him would inevitably draw comparisons with Barca's decision to give Pep the job back in 2008.
Readiness rating: 3/5
Thierry Henry
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Thierry Henry assistant manager of Belgium looks on prior to the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Belgium and Gibraltar at Stade Maurice Dufrasne on August 31, 2017 in Lieg
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The club's all-time record goalscorer was mentioned as a possible replacement for Wenger last season, when it was reported that Josh Kroenke, son of owner Stan, was a big fan of his. That trail has gone cold, but Henry is cutting his coaching teeth and after a stint working under Wenger as Under-18s boss at Arsenal, Henry will be at the World Cup as an assistant to Belgium manager Roberto Martinez.
Readiness rating: 3/5
Dennis Bergkamp
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Trainer, Frank de Boer (L) of Ajax and his assistant, Dennis Bergkamp look on prior to the Eredivisie match between Ajax Amsterdam and VVV Venlo at Amsterdam Arena on May 2, 2012 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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The man who, along with Wenger, was most influential in changing Arsenal's style and culture. Bergkamp and Wenger were kindred spirits as they set about redefining the club and the Dutchman has plenty of coaching experience having spent six years in the Ajax system before being sacked last December. He hasn't taken a top job, though, and his refusal to fly could pose a problem for European excursions.
Readiness rating: 2/5
Jens Lehmann
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Jens Lehmann (R) assistent coach of Arsenal looks on with manager Arsene Wenger
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A complete wild card, in more ways than one. Lehmann's unhinged aggression was a defining feature of the last great Wenger side, the team that went the season unbeaten in 2003-04, and he returned to the Arsenal fold for a third time (having re-signed as a player for a brief period in 2010-11) at the start of this season when he joined the coaching staff. His credentials are doubtful but it would be an easy hire...
Readiness rating: 1/5
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