Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has earmarked one of his former players to succeed him at the Emirates when he finally leaves his post as manager, according to reports.
The Frenchman is the longest serving manager in English football and is approaching 23 years in charge of the Gunners.
Wenger’s current deal is set to run until the end of the 2018-19 campaign, after which he has tipped his former defender Giovanni van Bronckhorst to take the reins, as report the Daily Star.
Under Wenger, Van Bronckhorst picked up a Premier League winners’ medal and an FA Cup title in his final season with the club, before sealing a move to Barcelona.
Following a career playing under some of the world’s finest managers including Wenger, Guus Hiddink, Dick Advocaat and Frank Rijkaard, Van Bronckhorst has taken to the dug-out with aplomb.
The former defender has been boss of Feyenoord since March 2015 and in his first full season he led them to victory in the KNVB Cup.
His second season at the club saw Feyenoord land the Dutch top flight title, their first following an 18-year wait.
Van Bronckhorst has referred back to Wenger’s managerial style since taking charge of teams himself, hailing the impact the Frenchman has had on European football.
‘His philosophy has been an example for millions. He is the best coach in the world,’ Van Bronckhorst has previously stated in interview with NU Sport.
After penning a new deal at the Emirates – much to the criticism of large sections of supporters – Wenger is set to see out at least the remainder of the current campaign and the entirety of next.
The iconic boss is widely expected to play a key role in helping the club secure the right replacement for him once he eventually leaves the club.
Also in Wenger’s consideration is Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe, again reported by the Star.
Howe guided the Cherries to English football’s top flight and has worked hard over the past two season to solidify their Premier League status.
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