FOUR IN RACE TO

London, April 21: Arsene Wenger’s decision to finally step aside as Arsenal manager after 22 years in charge has sparked fevered speculation over who the Gunners will turn to next to succeed the Frenchman.

Arsenal are struggling to qualify for next season’s Champions League with victory in the Europa League their only realistic route back into Europe’s premier club competition.

However, with one of the biggest budgets in world football and a squad boasting the talents of Mesut Ozil and Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang, the Arsenal job remains highly sought after. Have a look at five contenders to take over at the Emirates:

Patrick Vieira ( New York City): The inspirational captain of Arsenal’s ‘ Invincibles’ that went an entire league season unbeaten in 2003- 04, Vieira is a symbol of the glory years under Wenger. Vieira won three league titles and three FA Cups during his playing days at Arsenal but has taken his first steps in management with another of his former clubs, Manchester City.

While popular with the fans, Vieira’s lack of toplevel managerial experience would pose a huge risk in Arsenal’s attempts to re- establish themselves as a EPL contender.

Joachim Loew ( Germany): A World Cup winner, Loew has resisted the temptation to swap international football for the rigours of daytoday club management and is under contract with the German federation until 2020. Despite being one of the favourites for the job