Arsenal reach verbal agreement with Wenger's successor?

Juventus' Max Allegri has reportedly given his word that he will take over from manager Arsene Wenger at Arsenal next season.

Wenger, 67, has received immense criticism from the club's faithful following defeats to Chelsea and Bayern Munich last month, and his latest decision to bench Alexis Sanchez in the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool is likely to heat things up further.

According to The Express, Allegri is certain to succeed the Frenchman at the helm next campaign with Wenger ready to end his 21-year reign at the north London club.

The experienced manager has won the FA Cup in two of his last three seasons at the Emirates, but even a third this term is unlikely to convince him to stay put at the club.

The Gunners' hierarchy have placed a two-year contract on the table for Wenger on reported wages of around £10m-a-year.

Arsenal currently face a tough fight for the Champions League positions after dropping to fifth in the league - though they have a game in hand over Liverpool, who are two points ahead.