Arsenal: Top 5 Arsene Wenger replacements

1. Patrick Vieira

While Arteta and Henry both have a prior connection with Arsenal football club, neither have ever managed a senior football team. They may have been coaches at club and international level, but they have never been the main man, the one on which everything hinges, the one whose head is on the chopping block, the one who is responsible for every nook and cranny of the club.

Patrick Vieira is the only name to be linked with the job who has both the connection with the football club, and with Arsene Wenger specifically, and experience of being a manager of a senior football team. And that experience is going rather well.

As Head Coach of New York City FC, Vieira led them to their first-ever postseason berth. They lost in the semi-finals to Toronto FC, the eventual winners and a team that is viewed as the best MLS team in history. No shame there. Now in his second season with NYCFC, the team is the only unbeaten side left in the league and is enjoying such success after losing their best player in the offseason in Jack Harrison. Not only has Vieira improved the team, but he has made them younger, bringing through several young stars and shifting out the likes of Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard.

Next: Arsenal and Arsene Wenger dynasty: Who's next?

Vieira has also stated that he believes he has the potential to succeed Wenger. He still loves the club dearly. He is a wonderfully gifted coach, an intelligent, self-aware, considerate man who would do Wenger and his legacy justice. I can’t think of anyone better to replace him.