WENGER: KEEP IT IN GUNNERS FAMILY

ARSENE WENGER claims it would be “even better” if Arsenal chose a former player to succeed him as boss.

Wenger (above) admitted yesterday that the timing of his departure “was not really my decision”.

Former Arsenal captains Mikel Arteta and Patrick Vieira (right) are both on the shortlist as potential candidates to take over this summer.

Arteta, currently on Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff at Manchester City, has already been told he is in the frame while Mirror Sport understands that Arsenal will also sound out Vieira.

Arsenal could go for a big-name option

like former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, 47, but the idea of a younger man fitting into the club’s structure as head coach is known to appeal to chief executive Ivan Gazidis.

Wenger, who took over as a relative unknown in 1996, was asked whether the club should go for a bold appointment this time.

The Gunners boss said: “I would take it the other way around. The need to make the right decision, even if you have to be bold. That’s not exactly the same, so that’s what I wish, personally.

“Is it former people that worked here? That is even better. But there are many players who had qualities. Some of them are in the job. I don’t influence that choice but I will stand behind the decision.”

Wenger also admitted he has a “high opinion” of Enrique who is believed to be the leading candidate if they go for the big-name appointment.

Arsenal’s head of football relations Raul Sanllehi was director of football at Barcelona when Enrique was boss.

Wenger added: “I have a high opinion of him, I do not want to influence the job for the next manager but of course I have a high opinion of Luis Enrique.”

Wenger is understood to have jumped before being pushed at the end of the season.

“The timing was not really my decision and for the rest I have spoken about it already,” said Wenger.