Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has earmarked one of his former players to succeed him at the Emirates when he finally leaves his post as manager, according to reports.

The Frenchman is the longest-serving manager in English football and is approaching 23 years in charge of the Gunners.

Wenger’s current deal is set to run until the end of the 2018-19 campaign, after which he has tipped his former defender Giovanni van Bronckhorst to take the reins, as report the Daily Star.

Following a successful playing career, Van Bronckhorst turned his hand to management and currently leads Eredivisie side Feyenoord.

The Dutchman was brought to the Premier League by Wenger in 2001 before spending two seasons in English football and winning two trophies along the way.

Under Wenger, Van Bronckhorst picked up a Premier League winners’ medal and an FA Cup title in his final season with the club, before sealing a move to Barcelona.

Following a career playing under some of the world’s finest managers including Wenger, Guus Hiddink, Dick Advocaat and Frank Rijkaard, Van Bronckhorst has taken to the dug-out with aplomb.

The former defender has been the boss of Feyenoord since March 2015 and in his first full season, he led them to victory in the KNVB Cup.

His second season at the club saw Feyenoord land the Dutch top flight title, their first following an 18-year wait.

Van Bronckhorst has referred back to Wenger’s managerial style since taking charge of teams himself, hailing the impact the Frenchman has had on European football.

‘His philosophy has been an example for millions. He is the best coach in the world,’ Van Bronckhorst has previously stated in an interview with NU Sport.

Source – daily mail