Aaron Ramsey

Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour feels the Gunners should have a succession plan in place once Arsene Wenger calls quits on his managerial career. The Frenchman extended his contract by a further two years earlier in the summer despite protests from a section of fans for him to step down.

Speaking to AskFans, Parlour insists that the club should look at former players including Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira if they are to pick a potential successor for Wenger. Vieira has already earned valuable managerial experience with Manchester City's sister club New York City FC but Parlour is hoping that either he or his compatriot Henry gets the opportunity to manage the Gunners.

He said: "If I was Arsenal now, I’d be looking in two years time, whenever it’s going to be, and see who is going to be interested in taking over. Do you know who would be perfect one day? Patrick Vieira. He’s manager at New York, but now he’s probably in line for the Man City job instead of Arsenal. He’s part of their club. In the future, may be Thierry Henry. He’s a very intelligent guy, he knows the players, he knows the dressing room and he knows how to attract big players. He could be perfect for it."

Parlour, who won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with the north London club, reiterated the importance of starting the successor plan early with Wenger likely to end his association with the Gunners in the summer of 2019, unless they end their title drought.

Arsenal's season could not have started any worse this campaign with their poor away record distancing them further from the top. The Gunners are currently holding a 12-point deficit to table-toppers Manchester City, and Wenger's aim of lifting the English crown look bleak after just 11 games into the season. Arsene Wenger's side entertain local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby following the international break.