The Arsenal fans here in the Transfer Tavern are pondering who will replace their long-term man in charge Arsene Wenger when he finally decides to step down.

Much has been made over the future of Wenger in recent years, and the Frenchman agreed to a further two years last summer to take his time at Arsenal for over 20 years. However, many of our punters feel like possibly this could be the end of the line for Wenger and the board would be likely to replace him with the experienced head coach, Carlo Ancelotti.

Having been successful wherever he has been, including Arsenal’s rivals Chelsea, the Italian could be the man who will finally push the Gunners forward following years of remaining stagnant.

If Ancelotti is to join, he has many contacts around Europe just waiting to link back up with the Italian, and our long-suffering Gooners in the pub are hoping that with the appointment it will bring a breath of fresh air that has long been needed at the club.

Our landlord takes a look at three possible players to follow the Italian to the Emirates…

Thomas Lemar

After a deadline day bid of around £90m was rejected in the summer, Arsenal look would be wise to go back in for the Monaco midfielder. With the possible exit of Alexis Sanchez imminent, the Gunners will be wanting to start replacing the Chilean as soon as they possibly can.

However, a stronger bid will surely be enough turn Monaco’s hand this time around. Given that famous Ancelotti attacking license, the Frenchman would become even better than Sanchez, who hasn’t been at his best for a while now.

Malcom

A direct replacement for Sanchez should he leave, the left-footed attacker enjoys playing just behind the striker. Currently, Arsenal are rivalling their neighbours Spurs for the signature of the Brazilian and should they win the race, they will end up with a very talented player on their hands.

One of the very best players in Ligue 1, and there certainly are a few these days, the South American would be a joy to watch alongside Mesut Ozil.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Ancelotti will know all about Aubameyang from his time in the Bundesliga as the deadly forward has been among the most prolific strikers around Europe in recent seasons. A move to the Emirates would make perfect sense for the Dortmund man.

If Arsenal are going to push forward, a striker of Aubameyang’s quality is a must. Though not a like-for-like replacement for Alexis, the Gabon star can operate across the attacking line, giving the Gunners so many points of reference in order to smash teams apart.