Arsene Wenger Says Patrick Vieira 'Has the Potential' to Replace Him at Arsenal

Arsene Wenger has said that former captain Patrick Vieira "has the potential" to one day succeed him as Arsenal manager. 

But he warned his fellow Frenchman that moving into Premier League management would be a huge step up from his current role in charge of MLS side New York City FC, per Mattias Karen of ESPN FC:

"He's a guy who has the potential one day, yes. I think he does very well. But overall, after that, this Premier League is special, you know. You have to come in. There are plenty of former players who played here who have potential and the intelligence and the knowledge to do it. So there's plenty of choice, don't worry for that."

Wenger was responding to a recent report from Steve Stammers in the Daily Mail that Vieira, 41, is seen as a "serious contender" to replace Wenger.

The 68-year-old Gunners boss has a contract at the Emirates Stadium until the end of next term and Stammers' report explained only he will decide if he leaves the club before then, he will not be sacked. 

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Per Matt Law in the Telegraph, though, there is expectation in some quarters this could be Wenger's last season in charge at the club, with former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique, Hoffenheim boss Julian Nagelsmann, Schalke's Domenico Tedesco, former Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta, Monaco's Leonardo Jardim and Celtic's Brendan Rodgers among those others being considered to replace him.

Wenger is in danger of overseeing his worst campaign as a manager in the Premier League in 2017-18.

Since being appointed as Arsenal boss in 1996 Wenger has never seen his side finish lower than fifth, but they are struggling to hold on to sixth place with Burnley just two points behind them.

Furthermore, the lowest points tally Arsenal have accrued during Wenger's tenure is 67 in 2005-06.

With only five games remaining in the current campaign, and therefore a maximum of 15 points left available, Arsenal sit on 54 points.

Arsenal do have the chance to salvage their season by winning the UEFA Europa League, and qualifying for next season's UEFA Champions League as a result. But they face a tough challenge to reach the final after drawing Atletico Madrid in the last four.

As noted by Tom Allnutt of Agence France-Presse, they may have been better off meeting Diego Simeone's side in the final:

But it is clear that Arsenal continue to decline under Wenger, and he may never have the opportunity to bow out on a high.

Vieira would likely be a popular appointment to succeed Wenger given his legendary status at Arsenal.

However, it would be a big gamble to appoint someone who has only managed Manchester City's reserves and New York City FC, and a more established manager, like La Liga and Champions League winner Enrique, could be a safer option.