Three World Cup coaches who could replace Wenger at Arsenal

Arsene Wenger is a colossal price at 16/1 to be the next Premier League manager to leave his post following abject Arsenal’s 6-0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The beleaguered Frenchman looks unlikely to sign a contract between now and the end of the season, and while Wenger is still thought to enjoy the full confidence of the Emirates board, failing to win the FA Cup at 4/9 odds may well see him fall on his sword this summer.

There’d be no shortage of takers for the Gunners gig if such a turn of events unfold – here’s three who could do a job in the red half of north London, should their World Cup campaigns with their native countries exceed expectations.

Louis van Gaal

Success-starved Arsenal could hardly wish for a manager with a more trinket-laden CV than the Netherlands coach, whose country are 12/5 to top a devilishly tricky World Cup Group B that also contains Spain and Chile.

The Eredivisie, La Liga, Bundesliga and Champions League-winning coach has been strongly linked with a move to Spurs this summer, but the Lilywhites’ north London rivals would surely become favourites to secure Van Gaal’s services if Wenger vacates the Gunners hotseat.

With long-time ally Andries Jonker set to become head of Arsenal’s academy, it would be difficult for the 62-year-old to pass up an opportunity to work with his old assistant in England’s capital.

Cesare Prandelli

Former Fiorentina boss Prandelli lacks Van Gaal’s pedigree, but after transforming the Viola from relegation-threatened also-rans into top-four contenders, the 56-year-old has gained further plaudits during his four-year tenure thus far at the Azzurri helm.

The Euro 2012 runners-up have pleasantly surprised football watchers with their somewhat un-Italian attacking approach to matches and are 7/5 to swashbuckle their way to the top of England’s World Cup Group D.

Prandelli’s post-Brazil future is far from assured and, should Wenger leave Arsenal this summer, the former midfielder – who won three Serie A titles plus the European Cup with Juventus – could prove a steady hand on the Emirates tiller.

Paulo Bento

Bento may not have managed to land a Primeira Liga title during his time in charge of Sporting Lisbon, but two Portuguese Cup wins and four second-place finishes in successive seasons saw the Seleccao bigwigs hire the then 40-year-old back in 2010.

There was no shame in their Euro 2012 semi-final loss on penalties to eventual winners Spain, and Portugal will feel supremely confident of navigating their way through a World Cup Group G containing USA and Ghana at 4/9, although the presence of Germany makes the 5/2 about them finishing top look about right.

At 44, it’s hard to see Bento remaining in international management for long and his solid record at club level could see Arsenal take a chance on the former holding-midfielder, should their managerial situation become vacant.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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