Arsenal finally ready to replace Wenger in the summer - four-man shortlist revealed

Sooner or later, Arsene Wenger will actually leave Arsenal.
The Frenchman arguably revolutionised English football and made some of the smartest transfer dealings the world has ever seen around the turn of the century.

After leading the 'Invincibles' in 2004, it seemed like Wenger had reached untouchable status with the club. However, in the 14 years since, the club have failed to win the Premier League title.

FA Cup victories and League Cup final appearances only placated the Arsenal fanbase for so long; qualifying for the Champions League used to be Wenger's salvation. After missing out on the top four for the first time in 20 years, Arsenal look set to drop a place lower to sixth this season.
The alarming slide from the Gunners was never more apparent than their limp display against Premier League champions-elect Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.

It seems as though Arsenal's patience with Wenger is finally running out after 22 years and John Cross has revealed the four-man shortlist the club are targeting if they change managers in the summer.

The Mirror's report states: "Wenger, 68, still has another year left on his £8m-a-year contract and Mirror Sport understands he is determined not to quit and wants to see out the final year.

"But Arsenal insiders suggest there could be an 'adult conversation' and they will review his role, whether Wenger can still take the club forward and, most importantly, the overall performance of the team."





The four men begin with Monaco's Leonardo Jardim. The Gunners find Jardim appealing because of his ability to compete with PSG's financial muscle and his penchant for developing young talent.

Next up is Germany's Joachim Low and Arsenal’s new German head of recruitment Sven Mislintat is thought to be the driving force behind that idea. The World Cup-winning manager is unlikely to give an answer until after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Mikel Arteta is currently Pep Guardiola's number two at Manchester City and on top of his obvious link of having played for and captained Arsenal, taking on a man in Guardiola's image is appealing.





Finally, Brendan Rodgers makes the shortlist after his dominant run with Celtic. Of course, the Northern Irishman took Liverpool close to the Premier League title during his time at Anfield but the club began to decline when he sold Luis Suarez to Barcelona.

It's hard to imagine Arsenal fans getting excited about Rodgers, but he might be their most realistic option.

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