Ivan Gazidis wants Serie A manager to replace Arsene Wenger

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has reportedly identified Juventus' Max Allegri as the ideal replacement for Arsene Wenger at the north London club.

Wenger, 68, has come under immense criticism through the campaign with the Gunners having fallen 12 points off the pace for the top-four whilst also losing the League Cup final to Manchester City.

As a result, there have been plenty of calls from the fans for the Frenchman to step down despite the team returning to winning ways against AC Milan and Watford respectively.

According to The Star, Gazidis was hugely impressed with how Allegri masterminded Juventus' turnaround against Spurs in the Champions League earlier this month.

It is added that the chief is also pleased with the collective spirit with the Old Lady, something which the Gunners have been accused of lacking under Wenger.

Wenger has repeatedly iterated that he would remain committed for the length of his contract, which expires in June 2019, but it appears that Gazidis is prepared to 'negotiate his exit' in the summer.

Should this be the case, Allegri is the prime candidate likely to be approached with Hoffenheim manager Julian Nagelsmann a close second for the managerial position.