Should Arsenal End the Arsene Wenger Era for Jurgen Klopp?

Twelve games into the 2014/15 Premier League season and Arsenal were in eighth place, losing consecutive 2-1 matches to Swansea City and Manchester United. It appeared, after signing a new three-year deal last summer, Arsene Wenger was in tumultuous waters with his team and in the esteem of his club's supporters.

Despite beating Manchester City a month previous, elimination from the Champions League at the hands of underdog Monaco saw Wenger criticised for lacking courage to try new ideas, but something clicked shortly thereafter.

Bogdan Maran/Associated Press

Since their loss to Monaco on 18 February, the Gunners have won nine straight games in all competitions. They have subsequently climbed six spots in the table to second, and moods around the Emirates are rather jovial considering how the campaign began.

Wenger, whose job appears secure, should be sleeping soundly—with two years remaining on his current deal. Why the north Londoners would axe the Frenchman is difficult to comprehend; but the idea should not be summarily dismissed, especially after this week's events.

Jurgen Klopp and Borussia Dortmund have announced the long-serving manager will be leaving his post this July; the news has sparked widespread conversation about where the coveted German should continue his managerial career.

Forever linked with Arsenal in times of crisis, Klopp's availability at season's end would have been welcome news before the Gunners' resurgence; but with Wenger's men now in rich form, replacing the man in charge seems nonsensical.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

What makes Klopp such an attractive manager, especially for Arsenal, is his playing style. Similar to Wenger, the German wants free-flowing, high-paced, decadent football. All things considered, though, there are only three situations which should compel Arsenal to pursue Klopp this summer.

The first is to avoid a Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes situation.

Manchester United's legendary manager—by all accounts—hand picked his successor, and the results therein were horrendous. Arsenal's board has given Wenger longevity in his position (making him England's longest tenured manager), but allowing lasting icons to choose their eventual replacements looks an ill-fated blueprint.

The second situation is testing whether Klopp would entertain the notion of a gap year.

Martin Meissner/Associated Press/Associated Press

In his press conference, the Dortmund boss said he envisions himself coaching a new club in 2015/16. Interestingly, as noted by the Guardian's Marcus Christenson, Klopp did leave the possibly of a sabbatical open, saying: "I haven’t had any contact with any other clubs, but am not planning a sabbatical, though it could of course be that I have to take one."

Arsenal should at least try to convince the German he needs a well-deserved rest; with clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool thought to be interested, per Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express, what could it hurt?

Lastly, Wenger could self-realise his time at Arsenal has concluded and may want a triumphant exit.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

In 2013/14, the French manager had an opportunity to leave Arsenal with the FA Cup but elected to return. This season, the Gunners are again Wembley bound—and could very well retain their title as FA Cup champions.

Should Arsenal win the Community Shield, FA Cup and finish in the Premier League's top two, Wenger might have the courage to call 2014/15 a relative success and leave on a high—much like Ferguson.

Witnessing his club's upturn since February, however, Wenger jumping ship with years left on his contract would be brave, no matter the season's trophy haul.

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

The truth is often cliche, as such: Timing is everything.

Klopp's communique regarding his future would have been amazing for Arsenal last season, or possibly next season (who is to know), but its arrival comes when the north Londoners are gaining momentum and look threatening—with one or two summer transfers making them worthy title contenders in 2015/16.

Just over one month of this term remains, so the current landscape could alter, but as it stands: Releasing a proven Premier League commodity in Wenger appears too large a gamble.

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*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase.com where not noted.