Arsenal Reportedly Consider Younger, Cheaper Coach to Replace Arsene Wenger

Arsenal will reportedly explore the option of appointing an inexperienced and cheaper candidate to replace Arsene Wenger as manager this summer. 

According to Jeremy Wilson of the Daily Telegraph, the Gunners "do not simply want to be drawn into paying huge wages for one of the highest-profile candidates." Instead, the club are looking for someone capable of improving the current players and blooding youngsters into the side.

With that in mind, Wilson added that former Arsenal skippers Mikel Arteta, assistant manager at Manchester City, and Patrick Vieira, the manager of New York City FC, are on the shortlist.

In addition, Hoffenheim's 30-year-old coach Julian Nagelsmann is also noted as a possible candidate. On Tuesday, it was reported by Bosnian outlet Pravada BL (h/t Sport Witness) that Liverpool assistant Zeljko Buvac is in line to take over.

According to Wilson, other experienced coaches being considered are Monaco's Leonardo Jardim, Juventus' Massimiliano Allegri and ex-Barcelona boss Luis Enirque.

Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

"Arsenal have not yet made any final decisions—and chief executive Ivan Gazidis is committed to a proper recruitment process—but Enrique was reportedly on £16.5 million a year at Barcelona, almost double what Wenger is currently paid," Wilson wrote.

While the job at the Emirates Stadium will be a demanding one for whichever coach does eventually decide to take up the position, it appears the Gunners are intent on getting the right man. As noted by author David Tossell, in the past the club have explored many different options when it comes to managers:

After 22 years with Wenger in charge, Arsenal in the modern day are a club that have been built in the Frenchman's image. So succeeding him and trying to put your own imprint on the club will be a challenge for any manager.

It's why Arsenal may consider an up-and-comer. While long-term managers are rare in the modern game, having enjoyed success aplenty under Wenger, particularly earlier on in his tenure, the club may view longevity as vital once again. 

PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

Coaches like Arteta, Nagelsmann, Buvac and Vieira would potentially provide that. And while they aren't proved at the highest level as managers, for a club that's been under the stewardship of one man for so long, a fresh face with some vibrant new ideas could give everyone at the club a boost.

Arsenal blogger Le Grove broke down the potential benefits and risks of someone like Arteta:

There are some sections of the Arsenal fanbase that will want the club to be bold and secure a big name. After all, it's been 14 years since they won the Premier League, and the Gunners appear a long way off matching the might of City.

Still, adapting to life after Wenger will take time, and with that in mind, the club may look to a coach who would benefit from a patient approach. For a young manager it would be an incredible opportunity, yet while Wenger has laid some strong foundations, the job at the Emirates is far from straightforward.