Eddie Howe tipped to replace Wenger at the end of the season

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has been earmarked as the potential successor to manager Arsene Wenger once he parts ways with Arsenal next summer.

The Frenchman has shown no desire to pen a fresh contract, and signs are he will call quits on his managerial career at the end of the campaign.

According to The Star, Howe is the leading candidate to takeover the Gunners job with the club's hierarchy in the search for a head coach, who could stay on a long-term basis at the Emirates.

Howe has done wonders with the Cherries having brought them to the top flight from the third tier of English football, but he faces a much sterner test, should he be rewarded with the Arsenal hot seat next season.

Wenger currently has 10 months left on his existing deal, and his departure could well see the club lose key players in Hector Bellerin and Laurent Koscielny.