Merson believes Patrick Vieira will take over at Arsenal

The future of Arsene Wenger at Arsenal remains unclear and while the speculation rumbles on, the Gunners have been linked with names such as Max Allegri, Thomas Tuchel and Eddie Howe as potential replacements for the Frenchman.

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has hinted at another name in the running for the managerial job at the Emirates Stadium by suggesting club legend Patrick Vieira.

Vieira is currently the manager of MLS side New York City FC and Merson believes that the former midfielder will arrive at Arsenal in 2018, with Wenger set to see out another year with the Gunners.

Merson told Sky Sports, "My instincts tell me he's going to sign and he's waiting for a big win and he'll sign for another year. I wouldn't be surprised if he stays a year and then Patrick Vieira comes in.

"Yes. He's learning his trade over at New York City, he's been at Man City, and he brings a winning mentality, he won't take any rubbish.

"Arsenal look too nice at the moment. I think that could happen and the fans would love that. The players don't seem like they're working that hard for the manager at the moment, which is sad.

"Whoever comes in it's going to be a step-up - it's a big, big football club but I don't see a problem. He's a legend, which gives you some leeway. I just think he'll get his team playing the way he played the game, which is what they need at the moment."

Wenger holds further talks with Arsenal

Following the defeat against West Bromwich Albion last week, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger revealed that his future had already been decided.

However, the Daily Mirror have now reported that Wenger has held further talks with Arsenal’s majority shareholder Stan Kroenke and other members of the club's hierarchy, and has still not definitively made up his mind regarding whether he will stay put with the Gunners.

Xhaka: I’m not a brainless idiot

While there is certainly many aspects to Granit Xhaka’s game which are impressive, fans have been left concerned regarding his propensity to give away silly fouls and pick up bookings.

The £35million midfielder was the player with the third most fouls in the Bundesliga last season and worryingly, he has picked up a whopping 8 red cards altogether since 2014.

Understandably, Xhaka’s aggressive style of play has been widely criticized by the English press, pundits as well as the supporters but the 24-year-old has defended himself by stating that he is not a brainless idiot.

Xhaka told Swiss media, "What hurt me a lot was the source of the criticism and its form. It didn't come from my club, but from former players who don't know me any more than they know Arsenal.

"People who don't know anything about how I work attacked me by making me look like a brainless idiot and nasty."