Wenger Confirms He Will Leave Arsenal, 5 Likely Replacement

News broke last week that Wenger would depart the Emirates when he sees out the remainder of his ongoing contract which expires in some 19 months’ time. By then, the Gunners’ coach would be holding the record for most seasons spent in a particular club as manager. That’s 20 years of being coach of Arsenal.

The Frenchman was discussing plans to leave the club in the best shape for his predecessor during the Annual General Meeting last Thursday. And suggestions are already flying around as per who could take the next job at the soon-to-be-empty Emirates dugout. Bearing in mind that some other elite managers would have seen out their contracts and be available by then, and some prospective coaching greats would have also emerged, here are a list of 5 managers that could take charge of Arsenal in 2017.

Ancelloti

The 56 year-old hinted at a return to the EPL after he helped guide Chelsea to the title in 2011. Currently on sabbatical, he rejected Liverpool’s offer to coach them, and the top jobs are already taken. He might come handy for the Arsenal job come 2017, and his presence in Emirates could earn them the never-won Champions League trophy. The Gunners’d be his 3rd club to lift his 4th European title if both the move and win work out.

Martinez

The Everton handler was in line for the Liverpool job before Rodgers was finally appointed. His show of great managerial and coaching skills with the Merseyside Blues is top notch, and he has the ability of turning youngsters to talents, as evident in Ross Barkley and John Stones. These abilities of his are great prerequisites to succeed at the Emirates if the 42 year-old is eventually chosen to head the dugout after Wenger’s departure.

Vieira

Arsenal legend and former skipper, Patrick Vieira is currently in charge of the Manchester City’s reserve/youth team. He could be called upon to come take over at the Emirates considering the experience he has gained working under great coaches. Been a leader on the pitch during the “invincible” Gunners era, he might be the one to bring back the magic to Arsenal, only this time as a coach.

Simeone

Cholo is also a one of a kind manager following what he has done at the Vicente Calderon, most especially breaking the duopoly of Barcelona and Madrid to win the La Liga 2 seasons ago, and guiding

Atletico to a Champions League final the same year. At only 45, he still has a lot of years ahead, and is currently being sort at Chelsea provided Mourinho is shown the exit door. But if that doesn’t happen, the Emirates move could just be that big move that will make the Argentine the best coach in the world. With the resources and talents present and available at the club, yes he can.

Guardiola

The current Bayern coach has already amassed 19 trophies in his short career as manager at Barcelona and Munich. And with similar coaching styles with Wenger, he could make the cut for the target list as next Arsenal boss. He has declared himself a lover of English football, and is already being monitored by Manchester City as he wont be continuing with the Bavarians once his contract expires at the end of this season.