Former Arsenal star Ray Parlour believes Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is the “obvious” candidate to take over from Arsene Wenger when the Frenchman eventually leaves Arsenal.
Wenger has just one more year left on his current contract with the Gunners, although the 66-year-old has faced increased pressure from a section of Arsenal’s fans to depart early.
Arsenal have been scrutinised for failing to mount a title challenge this season despite sitting top of the table in January, with the club now facing a battle to secure an automatic Champions League spot.
Parlour believes the search for Wenger’s successor wil not be easy, but says Atletico’s passionate coach Simeone is the best option for Arsenal – although such an appointment will bring a different style of football to the club, one that the fans may not like.
“The obvious choice would be probably Simeone but it would probably go back to a bit more of a negative style of play,” Parlour told talkSPORT.
“It gets results don’t get me wrong, but whether the Arsenal fans would want that…
“Who else is there? Would Ronald Koeman from Southampton (be the one)?
“I’m sure Southampton fans out there will be saying ‘Well no we want to keep Ronald Koeman’ and understandably so. A manager of that calibre can attract players.
“I’d love to see one of (Arsenal’s) own, but I think it’s probably a bit too early yet, someone like (Thierry) Henry or (Patrick) Vieira.
“Vieira’s at Manchester City so that makes that a bit awkward, so I don’t know, I really don’t know, that’s the big question that the board has got to make a decision on.”
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