Arsenal identify long-term successor to Wenger

Arsenal reportedly consider Eddie Howe as a long-term successor to current head coach Arsene Wenger.

Wenger, 67, is understood to have verbally settled on a new two-year contract which is due to be announced on Wednesday afternoon.

The Frenchman's contract saga had been a concern for many around the club as they had not found a suitable successor who could be groomed into the Gunners job.

According to The Star, Bournemouth manager Howe has been identified the ideal candidate to take over the Gunners role, once Wenger hangs up his boots.

Howe managed to earn promotion with the Cherries on a lowly budget, and he has since kept them in the top-flight for the past two seasons.

Wenger is said to want to continue for at least five more years with the north London giants, but the club are nevertheless looking into the future with Howe mentioned as the top option.

Arsenal endured their worst league campaign under Arsene Wenger this season as they finished fifth in the standings. Despite this, the club did manage to end the season on a high after lifting the FA Cup against a Chelsea side, which lacked effort following their title run.