Arsenal FC: 5 Potential Replacements for Arsene Wenger

It may soon be the end of an era.

Arsene Wenger has said that this season at Arsenal may be his last, leaving all Arsenal supporters contemplating a future without the familiar Frenchman at the helm.

Personally, I shudder at the thought. I am sorry to admit that I was once one of those vehemently calling for the manager's sacking. Indeed, the records of those shameful declarations are archived on this very website for all to see.

But, whether it be at the end of this season or a some other point, Wenger will eventually leave "the club of [his] life." A replacement will need to be found, just as one was found for Bruce Rioch 15 years ago.

Here are five men who could be selected to try and fill the shoes of a true icon.

Enjoy.

Steve Bould

Having cut his teeth as coach of the Arsenal U-18 side in recent years, Arsenal legend Bould would make a fine manager of the senior side.

As a former defender in the gritty Arsenal sides of the 1990s, Bould would add a knowledge of the defensive game that would surely benefit a team that's still porous at the back on occasion.

In addition to the defensive solidity he would bring, Bould also has the advantage of having Arsenal blood, playing for the Gunners for 11 years—the last of them under Arsene Wenger.

A good man, and a fine candidate, indeed.

Pat Rice

A defensive stalwart for Arsenal for 14 seasons, Rice has been Arsene Wenger's trusted assistant for all of the latter's 15 at the helm of the senior side.

As loyal a servant as the club has ever known, Rice certainly has the experience and training necessary to take on such a job.

A forceful and fiery personality, he certainly knows how to motivate the team and get them going, at least according to Wojciech Szczesny after Rice took over managerial duties while Wenger was suspended during the Champions League.

Perhaps, at the age of 62, he's not the right age for the job, but I would certainly welcome the Northern Irishman with open arms if he is given the job.

Jurgen Klopp

Regarded as one of the brightest managing prospects in Europe, it would be extremely interesting to see if he could translate his success with Borussia Dortmund to the giant stage of Arsenal.

Klopp is one of the most tactically astute managers you will find, integrating all of Dortmund's extraordinary talent into a 4-2-3-1 formation last season and tearing up the Bundesliga as Dortmund won the league.

At 44, he's of the right age to take on a long-term position like that of Arsenal, while stabilizing the job for years to come.

And, as a bonus, he would certainly entice some of that brilliant young talent at Dortmund to make its way to the Emirates Stadium—I'm looking at you, Mario Gotze.

Dragan Stojkovic

Who should succeed Arsene Wenger? Perhaps, the man who he has selected himself—Dragan Stojkovic.

Arsene Wenger has waxed lyrical about the Serb for some time, stating that the two share a common footballing philosophy, and that Stojkovic comes to London once per year to chat with his mentor about football.

There are many connections and similarities between the two. Both have managed Japanese club Nagoya Grampus Eight, and both put an emphasis on slick attacking football. Should Stojkovic be appointed manager, we would certainly still be treated to beautiful football.

While his name might be nearly impossible to type, if Arsene truly does know best, I would be happy that his handpicked successor be appointed manager. And hey, if I learned to easily type "Szczesny," I can master any name.

Tony Adams

Tony Adams, or as he is commonly known, Mr. Arsenal, would be the choice of many fans to succeed Arsene Wenger.

A true leader and motivator, Adams embodied the spirit of the Gunners for 22 years, and many would like to see him continue to do so in the future. And, coincidentally, Adams has just quit his job at the helm of Azerbaijani side Gabala FC for the always-conspicuous "family reasons."

While Adams might be the feel-good candidate, he might actually not be the right man for the job just yet. He has never had the experience at a managerial level on nearly as big a stage as that which he would find himself in at the Emirates Stadium and might find himself in over his head.

However, the same was said of some French bloke named Arsene Wenger when he arrived in 1996.