Plenty of big names in the running to succeed Arsene Wenger at Arsenal
Whilst the news that Arsene Wenger is due to leave Arsenal continues to reverberate around the footballing world, attention has turned towards who the Gunners have in line to replace the Frenchman. Wenger’s 22 year stay at the North London club will come to an end at Huddersfield on May 13th and there appears to be many potential successors to him at the Emirates.
Front Runners
Massimilano Allegri is currently the bookies favourite (13/8 with Ladbrokes) and the Juventus manager looks to be the ideal fit for the club – the only question mark is whether he can be prized away from the Old Lady in Turin. Former Barcelona play-maker and manager Luis Enrique perhaps shares the best fit for Arsenal in terms of playing style and he has stock at this level having managed Roma too – currently 5/1 with Ladbrokes. Another man that would fit the bill for fans and players alike is Carlo Ancelotti – the former Chelsea man has often spoken of his affiliation for London and could be ideal for the Gunners in a short-term capacity – the former Milan man is best priced 8/1 with Sky Bet.
Outside Punts
Wenger was plucked from relative obscurity back in 1996 and if the club decide to adopt that route once again Zeljko Buvac could fit that prototype. Having recently left Liverpool for personal reasons, Jurgen Klopp’s former number 2 has been heavily linked with the job and could be worth a go at 16/1 with William Hill. Another man who has pedigree at this level is Brendan Rodgers – the former Liverpool man is plying his trade with Celtic currently and recently described it as the best job in the world but could be a contender here at 14/1 with William Hill. Closer to home, Eddie Howe of Bournemouth has long been touted as a potential replacement for Wenger with his penchant for playing attractive football but this move seems a little too early for him – reflected in his odds of 33/1 with BetVictor.
Fan Favourites
During his tenure at the club, Arsene Wenger oversaw numerous trophy wins and many of his big players have subsequently gone into management. Former club captain Mikel Arteta, is currently part of Pep Guardiola’s backroom staff at Champions Manchester City and a return to the club would be popular with the fans at 10/1 with Betfair. An arguably more popular figure at Arsenal is Patrick Vieira, who is currently in charge of New York City and he would be greatly received at the Emirates – this job could have come too early for him though at 40/1 with BetVictor. The club’s all-time record goal scorer and subsequent TV pundit Thierry Henry continues to be linked with the post but looks very much an outside bet at 66/1 with Ladbrokes– due to his lack of managerial experience.
Arsenal have announced they hope to have their new manager in place before the start of the World Cup next month and it looks as if they have plenty of suitable candidates to choose from.