Our Arsenal fans here in the Transfer Tavern just can’t seem to understand what’s been going on this season for their club.

Well, we say that, of course things do seem to be all too familiar for the Gunners once again this year with them flattering to deceive in the title race.

Once again, they’ve fallen by the way-side when the going’s got a bit tough and now they face a battle to finish in the top four.

Indeed, it’s caused many here in the Transfer Tavern and on the wider footballing landscape to call for Arsene Wenger to stand down at last – leaving many to speculate about his potential replacement.

In fact, according to The Mirror Rafa Benitez is one man on Arsenal’s short-list for the Frenchman’s successor in a move that would certainly raise a few eye-brows.

Need it, though? Our landlord reckons it could actually work out and so, with that in mind, here are two reasons why…

 European success

You cannot argue with Benitez’s European pedigree and that is something Arsene Wenger cannot match with Arsenal.

Two Champions League finals with Liverpool including the memorable 2005 final as well as a UEFA Cup win with Valencia and a Europa League win with Chelsea shows he more than knows his way around continental football. Can Arsenal fans really turn their noses up at such a fine record?

 Mental toughness

One of Arsenal’s main weaknesses that Wenger doesn’t seem to be able to sort out now is that they are mentally fragile.

When things go up against them they invariably crumble and so bringing in Benitez could help solve that. He’s seen plenty of big games and title challenges in his time to suggest he knows how to keep things ice cool more often tha not and that’s what the Arsenal players need.

Thoughts, Arsenal fans? Let us know below!