Arsene Wenger is yet to even leave Arsenal but speculation continues to mount about his potential replacement.
Eddie Howe’s name continues to be talked about in the context of the next Gunners’ boss, but the Bournemouth boss has managed to focus on the job at hand with a first Premier League win of the season against West Brom.
The Englishman insists he is not even thinking about the Arsenal job, but one legend at the North London club has already questioned whether he’s up to it.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday, Ray Parlour suggested that while Howe is shining on the South Coast, Arsenal is too big a job for him.
“He has certainly done a great job [at Bournemouth], but I just think it maybe a little bit too big for him at this time of his career,” he said.
“I think he has to go to the next level after Bournemouth, maybe like an Everton, or someone like that who is going to be challenging for the top six.”
Howe would definitely divide opinion at the Emirates. While he is one of the country’s brightest young managerial prospects, Arsenal fans have been crying out for a big name to replace Wenger.
Someone like Diego Simeone of Atletico Madrid would be more of a statement of intent, even if he doesn’t play football the Arsenal way.
In the meantime, it is up to Wenger to try and mount a title challenge in what could well be his final season in North London – but at present, even if it’s early on in the campaign, his side look a long way off.
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